Latest news with #HarpalSinghCheema
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Punjab registers record 25.3% growth in GST collections for May
Punjab has registered a record 25.31% growth in net GST collection for the month of May. Finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the net GST revenue rose to ₹2,006.31 crore in May 2025, up from ₹1,601.14 crore in May 2024, an increase of ₹405.17 crore. In May 2024, the state had seen a growth of ₹121 crore (8.17%) over ₹1,480 crore collected in May 2023. Cheema attributed the growth to strong tax administration, enhanced compliance, and a resilient economic environment under the AAP government, adding that this points to an accelerating growth trend in Punjab's fiscal health. He further stated that this surge not only represents the highest year-on-year monthly growth in recent years but also outpaces the national average GST growth. 'We have curbed tax evasion, improved field-level enforcement, and enabled a seamless taxation framework that supports businesses while safeguarding state revenues,' he added. The minister said key actions included the physical verification of 195 bogus firms, leading to the blocking of ₹75.79 crore in fraudulent input tax credit (ITC); detection of major tax evasion in the coal sector, involving off-book transactions exceeding ₹225 crore and ₹11.65 crore in evaded tax; and the uncovering of ₹900 crore in bogus gold bullion transactions in Ludhiana, with ₹21 crore of ineligible ITC blocked. Cheema said the milestone is particularly commendable given that it has come during a period when Punjab, as a border state, faced heightened tensions during the armed conflict between India and Pakistan.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
80,000 litres of ethanol seized in Bathinda
In a major crackdown on illicit liquor, the Punjab excise department seized 80,000 litres of ethanol being allegedly transported illegally in two trucks in Bathinda and arrested eight individuals. Those arrested included four from Bathinda, two from Uttar Pradesh, and two from Nepal, and they were being interrogated by officials of the excise department and the police, said excise minister Harpal Singh Cheema. The two trucks bearing Gujarat registration numbers, and two cars and one SUV were also seized. The minister said the accused have been charged under various sections of the Excise Act, and Section 316 (breach of trust) and 125 (endangering human lives) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. He said the quantity of ethanol seized from the two trucks could have been used to produce approximately 3,75,000 bottles of country-made liquor, 2,50,000 bottles of English liquor, or 1,10,000 bottles of sanitiser. Cheema warned that those involved in manufacturing or sale of illegal liquor will not be spared. 'Strict action will be taken against everyone involved,' he said, urging manufacturing illegal liquor to shut down their operations immediately or face stringent legal consequences, including imprisonment. He also pointed out that some individuals smuggle ENA (Extra Neutral Alcohol) from Punjab to other states to produce liquor, while others manufacture and sell liquor within Punjab. 'Some misuse ethanol under the guise of producing sanitisers. Numerous such products are used as mediums for the misuse of ethanol,' he added. Cheema said in this particular case, ethanol was loaded at a factory located in Dinanagar, Gurdaspur. He said that excise officials are investigating the intended destination and purpose of the consignment.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Excise dept seizes record ethanol in crackdown on illegal liquor trade in Bathinda region
Chandigarh: In one of the biggest actions against illegal liquor trade in the state, a joint operation by the special operation group (excise) and the excise police led to the seizure of 80,000 litres of ethanol in the Bathinda region. With this, the total ethanol/ENA seizures in Punjab reached 1,70,000 litres, marking a significant milestone in the state's crackdown on the illicit liquor trade. Punjab finance, planning, excise and taxation minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday shared details about the intelligence-led operation, stating that it was launched following credible information about a gang involved in pilfering and illegally storing ethanol/spirit. After careful reconnaissance, specialised teams raided Navraj Dhaba in Bathinda, where the suspects were caught red-handed transferring ethanol in two Gujarat-registered tankers, each carrying 40,000 litres. According to Cheema, the ethanol was originally loaded at VRV Hospitality Pvt Ltd in Chak Alia, Dinanagar (Gurdaspur) and was officially bound for IOCL Bathinda. However, it is suspected that the consignment was intended for clandestine diversion to dry states, where alcohol production and sale are banned, for illegal use. "If this consignment went undetected, it could have been used to manufacture approximately 3.72 lakh bottles of 50-degree PML, 2.47 lakh bottles of 70-degree IMFL, or around 1.04 lakh litres of sanitisers," Cheema explained, underscoring the potential public health and revenue implications of such illegal activities. The minister further said that eight individuals were arrested during the raid. Two vehicles — a Toyota Etios (PB03AY5567) and an Innova (HR26CY2961) — believed to be used in the operation, were also seized. An FIR was registered at Sadar police station, Bathinda, under relevant provisions of the law, including those that permit life imprisonment upon conviction. Cheema confirmed that a comprehensive investigation is under way to uncover the entire network, including both suppliers and buyers, and assured that no individual involved will be spared, regardless of their status or connections. Reaffirming the state's zero-tolerance stance, he said, "The excise department is working relentlessly to dismantle these illegal supply chains and prevent the misuse of ethanol for unlawful purposes. We are determined to break the backbone of the illicit liquor trade in Punjab." MSID:: 121519002 413 |
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
9 months after effecting hike, Punjab to increase collector rates again, asks DCs for proposals
The Punjab government has set into motion the process to increase collector's rates just nine months after it hiked the rates by as much as 100 per cent in August last year. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday said the government asked the Deputy Commissioners to send proposals for increasing the collector's prices for registration of property. Sources said the government was planning to increase the rates from 5 per cent to 50 per cent again to mend the 50-60 per cent gap between the market rate of property and the collector's prices. The market prices are much higher than the collectors' rates. Collector's rates, or circle rates, or guideline values are the minimum prices fixed by the government for property transactions within a specific area. During the last fiscal, the government had collected Rs 5,900 crore from stamp duty levied on the sale of property. However, a government officer told The Indian Express that 'the government needs to be careful. If collector's prices become too high, it is observed that people start buying properties on Power of Attorney (POA) and then registering the sale deeds as they have to pay higher stamp duty on the registration. The revenue starts suffering rather than increasing. Also, the property buyers and even sellers prefer a large part of the purchase to be paid in cash rather than white money. We have to factor in all points. It is a well-known fact that India has thrived on a parallel economy, and even the worst of economic recessions did not affect the Indian markets much. Hence, the government should not damage this parallel economy. However, at the same time, property owners sometimes rue when their properties are acquired for government projects, even though they get paid as per the collector's rates.' Cheema said that due to differences in collectors' and market prices of property, corrupt practices thrive. 'We are trying to streamline all this. Soon, there will be a revision. We have effected the revision three-four times in the past. Our government is trying to end corruption, and we are trying to reduce the gap by increasing the collectors' prices. This can check corruption to an extent,' he said. As of now, Cheema said, it is not clear how much prices will increase. 'This depends on the DCs' report. Every district, town and city has different market prices. It depends on that.' During the last fiscal, the government increased prices to as high as 100 per cent in some parts of the state. The hike was between 50 per cent and 100 per cent. Cities like Patiala, Mohali and Zirakpur had 100 per cent increase in the collector's rates. After Covid 19, the state saw exponential growth in property buying, with the land prices shooting through the roof. Properties in Mohali are the most expensive in Punjab. In cities like Ludhiana, Jalandhar and others, the market prices of properties are too high.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Amid oppn attack, Cheema says won't forcibly acquire land in Ludhiana
1 2 Chandigarh: Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated on Thursday that the state govt's land pooling policy would involve no forcible acquisition, as it entails voluntary participation by landowners. The statement came a day after Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) criticised the state housing department's plan to acquire a record 24,311 acres in southern Ludhiana for urban estates, marking the largest single land acquisition planned in a single region. Cheema said, "The opposition parties, who patronised the land mafia, are now making wild allegations. No farmer's land will be acquired forcibly. Instead, we're making a significant departure from past practices, prioritising voluntary participation and empowering landowners to become active stakeholders in the state's progress." He added, "The policy's core principle of 100% voluntary participation. Under this visionary policy, there will be no forcible land acquisition. We developed a model that respects the rights and aspirations of our farmers and landowners." Cheema also highlighted the economic benefits for participating landowners. "The policy directly addresses the growing demand for affordable housing in our urban centres, driven by Punjab's rapid urbanization. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Market estimates indicate that farmers who engage in this Land Pooling Policy stand to gain up to a 400 percent return on their land investment, "he stated. He said that the development agencies of the state govt would undertake the development of pooled land, ensuring the provision of modern infrastructure, including roads, water supply, sewerage, drainage, and electricity. "Once developed, the land, returned to the original landowners as per their contribution, will appreciate significantly. Landowners will have the autonomy to utilize their developed land as they see fit, whether for personal use or for sale," he said. He claimed that the land pooling was in contrast to the "land mafia" and the era of "illegal colonies" and forcible land acquisitions. "For the past three decades, the Congress, Akali-BJP governments have operated in collusion with the land mafia, enriching their political allies at the expense of our farmers. This policy puts an end to that corrupt system," he alleged.
