Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Cheema on Monday projected an excise revenue target of ₹12,800 crore for 2026-27, stating that the state’s comprehensive excise reforms have significantly boosted revenue collections while directly supporting welfare initiatives such as education, healthcare and other public-centric schemes.
While announcing the new Excise Policy at Punjab Bhawan, alongside Excise and Taxation Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal, Cheema said the state has moved away from what he described as years of slow growth under previous Congress and SAD-BJP governments. He asserted that the revamped excise framework is now more transparent, enforcement-focused and growth-oriented, resulting in record-breaking collections and stricter action against illegal trade.
Providing a comparative overview, Harpal Cheema said excise revenue stood at ₹2,755 crore during the SAD-BJP regime in 2011-12. Over the next decade, growth remained limited, reaching ₹6,255 crore in 2021-22 under the Congress government. However, after the AAP-led government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann implemented a stronger policy in 2022-23, revenue jumped to ₹8,428 crore. The upward trend continued, rising to ₹10,744 crore in 2024-25 and achieving the target of ₹11,200 crore for 2025-26.
Outlining the key features of the 2026-27 Excise Policy, Harpal Cheema said existing retail licenses will be renewed with a 6.5% increase over 2025-26 fees. In cases where renewals do not take place, allocations will be conducted through a transparent e-tendering process.
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He also announced a 3% increase in the quota for Punjab Medium Liquor (PML) at 50 and 65 degrees, raising the total quota to 8.79 crore Proof Litres to meet consumer demand while maintaining regulatory control. To curb illicit liquor sales, the government plans to introduce 40-degree PML sub-vends in areas identified as high-risk under the Excise Act.
Harpal Cheema Introduces Auto-Approval Mechanism to Cut Excise Red Tape
Highlighting efforts to promote Ease of Doing Business, Harpal Cheema said brand price increases of up to 4% under EDP and EBP categories will now be auto-approved, reducing procedural delays. The government is also considering extending operational and dispatch hours for manufacturing units to enhance logistical efficiency.
ਪਿਛਲੀਆਂ ਸਰਕਾਰਾਂ ਨੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੇ ਟੈਕਸ ਦੇ ਪੈਸਿਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਆਪਣੇ ਘਰ ਭਰੇ, ਜਦਕਿ ਮਾਨ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦਾ ਪੈਸਾ ਲੋਕਾਂ ‘ਤੇ ਲਾ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਖ਼ਜ਼ਾਨੇ ‘ਚ ਵੀ ਵਾਧਾ ਕਰ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ।
ਵਿੱਤ ਮੰਤਰੀ @HarpalCheemaMLA ਨੇ ਦੱਸੇ ਅੰਕੜੇ
👉 2022 ‘ਚ ₹6200 ਕਰੋੜ ਸਾਲਾਨਾ ਮਾਲੀਆ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਸੀ ਇਕੱਠਾ
👉 ਚਾਲੂ ਸਾਲ ‘ਚ ਵਧ ਕੇ ਹੋਇਆ ₹11,020 ਕਰੋੜ… pic.twitter.com/OeYSxCbGce— AAP Punjab (@AAPPunjab) February 23, 2026
In a significant industrial development, Harpal Cheema announced that Punjab will establish its own malt manufacturing units. He described this as a strategic shift aimed at transforming the state from primarily a bottling-based economy into a high-value manufacturing hub. By processing barley and producing premium malt domestically, Punjab aims to reduce reliance on external suppliers for raw spirits.
Excise Policy to Add Value to Agriculture and Drive Industrial Growth
The Minister said this move will create a strong farm-to-factory ecosystem, add value to agricultural produce, retain capital within the state, generate skilled employment and position Punjab as a key player in high-end distillation and spirit manufacturing.
Sharing enforcement statistics, Harpal Cheema reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance against liquor smuggling from neighbouring states and Chandigarh. He revealed that authorities registered 4,406 FIRs and arrested 4,324 individuals. Enforcement drives included 26,218 raids and 24,832 checkpoints, leading to the seizure of 455 vehicles and 1,76,552 liquor bottles. The department also destroyed 38,23,576 litres of Lahan, seized 82,990 litres of Ethanol and ENA, 66,794 litres of illicit liquor, and dismantled 374 operational stills.
Harpal Cheema said these measures demonstrate the government’s firm commitment to strengthening legal enforcement, ensuring public safety and maintaining integrity within the excise system.