Chandigarh, December 24 – The High Power Purchase Committee of the Haryana Printing and Stationery Department today approved a paper purchase case worth Rs.1.95 crore. For the supply of paper used in official government work, shortlisted bidders made brief presentations, after which the suitable company was approved. The paper purchase case was finalised during an important meeting of the High Power Purchase Committee held at the Haryana Civil Secretariat.

The meeting was chaired by the Minister of State for Printing and Stationery, Sh. Rajesh Nagar. School Education Minister, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda was also present on the occasion and, along with Minister Sh. Nagar and departmental officers, reviewed and discussed the proposals presented by the bidders as part of the tender process. After detailed deliberations and discussions, the paper purchase case worth Rs. 1.95 crore was finalized. Special attention is being given to the quality of paper used for official government work in the state.

The Commissioner and Secretary, Printing and Stationery Department, Sh. Vijay Singh Dahiya, and the Controller, Sh. Vivek Padam Singh, along with other departmental officers remained present during the meeting.

Chandigarh, December 24-  Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Sh. Amit Shah who was in Panchkula on Wednesday to attend the Mega Cooperative Conference held in Panchkula lauded Haryana Chief Minister, Sh.  Nayab Singh Saini for his decisive leadership and farmer-friendly policies, calling him a transformative force in the state’s governance.

Speaking at the event as the Chief Guest, Sh. Amit Shah highlighted how the Chief Minister’s initiatives have not only empowered farmers but also set Haryana as a national model for transparent, efficient, and visionary administration. He also praised Sh. Nayab Singh Saini’s courage and determination, noting that he has accomplished what very few governments dare attempt. When the proposal to procure 24 crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP) was announced in the election manifesto, I had personally confirmed it over a late-night phone call from Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and with full confidence, he  assured me that I should announce it; the responsibility of procurement is mine, said the Home Minister as  he praised that  Haryana is the first state in India to ensure MSP procurement for all 24 crops.

The Home Minister further emphasized that Haryana is not only procuring crops but also paying farmers within 48 hours of procurement, marking a new administrative revolution. The Chief Minister  has also ensured the highest prices for sugarcane farmers in the country, creating positive pressure on governments nationwide to follow suit, said the Home Minister.

Sh. Amit Shah also highlighted Haryana’s water management and irrigation initiatives. Under the “Per Drop – More Crop” scheme, the state provides 85 percent subsidies, extends irrigation to historically neglected areas, and has constructed 2,088 Amrit Sarovars, reflecting visionary planning and long-term thinking, he said.

The Home Minister  further said that although Haryana is a small state, it has consistently contributed to agriculture, dairy production, sports, and national security. Under Sh. Nayab Singh Saini’s leadership, this legacy has grown even stronger.

The Home and Cooperation Minister further stressed that while Haryana plays a major role in industry, GST, and income tax contributions, the true measure of any government is the well-being of its farmers.  Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has given Haryana’s farmers a reason to smile, and this is his greatest achievement, he said.

Sh. Amit Shah  also expressed confidence that, following the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation), Haryana Chief Minister will continue to strengthen Haryana’s standing among the country’s leading states.

Chandigarh, December 24

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, who was in Panchkula on Wednesday to attend the Mega Cooperative Conference, announced several major initiatives for the state of Haryana. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was also present on the occasion.

Speaking as the chief guest at the conference, Amit Shah digitally inaugurated several projects from Panchkula, including a milk chilling centre at Salempur in Bhiwani district, the HAFED flour mill at Jatusana in Rewari district, and the IYC portal developed by the Ministry of Cooperation.

The Union Minister distributed RuPay Platinum debit cards to five beneficiaries of Haryana State Cooperative Banks and handed over registration certificates to the presidents of two newly established M-PACS set up by KRIBHCO in Haryana. He also released an annual publication based on IYC-related events prepared by KRIBHCO. Prior to this, a corporate film of KRIBHCO was screened.

The event was attended by Union Minister of State for Cooperation, Sh. Krishan Pal Gurjar, Vidhan Sabha Speaker,  Sh. Harvinder Kalyan, Cooperation Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma, Agriculture  and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh.  Shyam Singh Rana, Public Works Minister, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, Education Minister, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Sh. Krishan Bedi, Industries Minister, Rao Narbir Singh, Health Minister, Ms. Arti Singh Rao,  Irrigation Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry,  Minister of State, Sh. Gaurav Gautam, Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Rastogi,  KRIBHCO Chairman, Sh.  V. Sudhakar Chowdary, and Managing Director, Sh. S. S. Yadav, among other dignitaries.

Chandigarh, December 23 — In a significant step towards ensuring service security and transparency for contractual employees, the Haryana Government has launched a dedicated online portal for the implementation of the Haryana Contractual Employees (Security of Service) Rules, 2025. Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi said the initiative reflects the State’s commitment to uniform, technology-driven and time-bound governance.

Issuing directions, the Chief Secretary stated that all cases related to the security of service of contractual employees will be processed exclusively through the newly developed portal, www.securedemployee.csharyana.gov.in, which is scheduled to go live on December 25, 2025 (Good Governance Day). He made it clear that no physical applications or offline orders will be accepted or treated as valid, underscoring the government’s zero-tolerance approach towards deviations from the prescribed digital process.

Sh. Rastogi informed that a strict and clearly defined implementation timeline has been put in place. Contractual employees will be required to complete their registration and upload all relevant documents on the portal by January 31, 2026. Thereafter, Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) will verify service records by February 28, 2026. The Finance Department will complete the creation of supernumerary posts by March 31, 2026, while final approvals and issuance of offer letters by the respective Heads of Departments will be completed by April 30, 2026.

The Chief Secretary directed all Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Managing Directors of Boards and Corporations, Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners to ensure strict adherence to the timelines. He emphasized that accountability will be fixed for any delay or non-compliance.

He said the initiative is anchored in the legal framework provided under the Haryana Contractual Employees (Security of Service) Act, 2024, and the rules notified on August 5, 2025. He added that the centralized digital system will bring greater accuracy, transparency and uniformity in handling service security cases, while also safeguarding the rights of contractual employees across the State.

Chandigarh, December 23 – Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra today said that Haryana has achieved a remarkable 72% conviction rate under the new criminal laws—a figure three times higher than the 24% rate recorded under the old legal framework during the period between July 2024 and November 2025. Highlighting the performance, Dr. Misra stated that Haryana’s criminal justice system successfully disposed of over 81,000 cases during this 17-month period, with 77,504 cases resolved under old laws and the remainder under the new criminal laws.

Dr. Misra informed that comprehensive directions have been issued to the prosecution agency emphasizing the urgent need to conduct criminal trials on a day-to-day basis, with special focus on cases involving rape, offences under the POCSO Act 2012, and crimes against women. She added that all District Attorneys and Public Prosecutors not to seek adjournments in rape and POCSO cases in accordance with Section 346 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023.  ACS Home has further directed that examination of victims and vulnerable witnesses must be prioritized and conducted before the examination of other formal witnesses of investigation.

“The new laws have brought greater precision in defining offences and procedures, enabling investigators and prosecutors to build stronger cases,” Dr. Misra added, attributing the improved rates to better legal clarity and enhanced coordination between investigating agencies and prosecution. Dr Misra also commended the working of Prosecution Department.

The data segregates acquittals into those based on merit versus hostile witnesses, providing transparency on investigation challenges. Courts also utilized legal mechanisms including discharge of accused, FIR quashing, compounding of offences, and case withdrawals to manage pendency efficiently.

Dr. Misra said that the government remains committed to improving investigation quality, witness protection, and prosecution standards. “The exceptional performance under new laws shows us the path forward for overall improvement while maintaining fair, evidence-based justice,” she stated.

Dr. Misra emphasized that the government remains committed to further improving investigation quality, witness protection mechanisms and prosecution standards to build on these positive trends. “The exceptional performance under new laws shows us the path forward. As we continue to strengthen our systems, we expect overall conviction rates to improve while maintaining our commitment to fair and evidence-based justice,” she stated.

She added that courts have been utilizing modern case management techniques and regular monitoring mechanisms to ensure that cases move efficiently through the system. With continued focus on training, technology adoption and inter-agency coordination, Haryana’s criminal justice system appears well-positioned to further enhance its performance in the coming months.

Chandigarh, December 23 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said Jagad Guru Brahmanand Saraswati Ji was a guide for the entire humanity. His entire life was devoted to human service, religion, sacrifice and nation-building. He was a beacon of light whose rays of knowledge continue to guide our thoughts, culture and society even today. Respecting the sentiments of local residents, the Chief Minister officially announced the renaming of village Chuhar Majra as Brahmanand Majra. Along with this, he also announced several major development projects.

The Chief Minister was addressing the state-level ceremony organised by the Haryana Government on the occasion of Jagad Guru Brahmanand Ji’s birth anniversary at village Chuhar Majra in Kaithal district on Tuesday as the Chief Guest. The function was presided over by Haryana Assembly Speaker Sh. Harvinder Kalyan. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Speaker of the Haryana Assembly Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, Cabinet Ministers Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda and Rao Narbir Singh, MP Sh. Naveen Jindal, MLA Sh. Satpal Jamba, other MLAs and eminent members of society.

On reaching village Chuhar Majra, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini first offered prayers at the Guru Brahmanand Temple. Addressing the gathering thereafter, he paid tributes to the great saint Swami Brahmanand Ji and said that Guru Brahmanand Ji showed society the path of knowledge, devotion and harmony. Simple living and high thinking were his core values. He was born in 1908 in village Chuhar Majra of Kaithal district, Haryana, in a simple Ror family. From childhood, his deep inclination towards devotion to God, curiosity for spirituality and quest for the Supreme set him apart. He dedicated his entire life, deeds, knowledge and penance to the welfare of humanity.

Swami Ji had deep faith in the Arya Samaj and propagated monotheism and worship of the formless God. He believed that God belongs to everyone and is for everyone, and that service to mankind is true devotion to God. His life was a living example of this truth. At a time when society lacked education, healthcare and other basic facilities and was engulfed by orthodox practices, Guru Brahmanand Ji created awareness through his words, writings and actions. He laid special emphasis on spreading education in rural areas, particularly among women. He believed that ‘gau seva’, education and social reform are the three pillars on which the foundation of a happy and civilised society rests.

The Chief Minister said that the life of Swami Brahmanand Ji inspires us to protect and promote our great Indian culture, civilisation and moral values. In today’s social environment, his ideas have become even more relevant. It is our responsibility to follow the path shown by him and strengthen the bonds of morality, social values and mutual harmony in society. Taking forward his noble works of social reform, education and ‘gau seva’ would be the true tribute to him.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that following the teachings of Guru Brahmanand Ji, the Ror community has adopted the path of human service and has a glorious history of valour. He said that the Haryana Government is implementing the Sant-Mahapurush Samman evam Vichar Prasar Yojana to disseminate the messages of saints and great personalities to the masses so that future generations may draw inspiration and guidance from their lives.

Calling upon the youth, the Chief Minister urged them to imbibe Guru Brahmanand Ji’s teachings in their lives and stay away from social evils like drug addiction. He appealed to them to use technology like mobile phones constructively, not for wasting time, but for spreading positive values and contributing towards strong nation-building. He said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has resolved to make India a developed nation by 2047, and the youth will play a crucial role in achieving this goal. The Haryana Government, he added, is continuously working in this direction.

Congratulating the gathering on Guru Brahmanand Ji’s birth anniversary, the Chief Minister announced a series of development initiatives. He announced the renaming of village Chuhar Majra as Brahmanand Majra, a grant of Rs. 21 lakh for construction of a grand welcome gate in the name of Guru Brahmanand on the village link road, construction of a library for children in the village, renaming of the Dhand–Pundri main road as Guru Brahmanand Marg, and a grant of Rs. 51 lakh for development works. He also announced that the process to make village Ahar in Panipat a Sub-Tehsil would be completed as per norms, a chowk in the name of Guru Brahmanand would be constructed, land in Gurugram would be provided for children’s education, and Rs. 11 lakh each would be provided for Anjanthali Gurukul in Karnal and a coaching centre in Sector-32.

Addressing the ceremony, Haryana Assembly Speaker Sh. Harvinder Kalyan said that Guru Brahmanand Ji considered service as worship and humanity as the highest virtue. He emphasised that great personalities belong to all sections of society. He thanked Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and the Haryana Government for organising the birth anniversary at the state level and announced a grant of Rs. 31 lakh from his side for village development. He further announced that Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, Public Health and PWD Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda, Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh and MP Sh. Naveen Jindal have each announced grants of Rs. 21 lakh for development works.

The ceremony was also addressed by Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, Cabinet Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda, MP Sh. Naveen Jindal and MLA Sh. Satpal Jamba. Sadhvi Abhilasha expressed gratitude to all at the end of the programme on behalf of the Guru Brahmanand Ashram.

Chandigarh, Dec 23 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a vision to establish India as a sports superpower by the 2036 Olympics. He expressed confidence that in the 2036 Olympic Games, players from Haryana will compete with the goal of winning the maximum number of medals and will further strengthen the state’s global identity as a land of brave farmers and world-class wrestlers.

The Chief Minister was speaking on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the MP Sports Mahotsav 2025 held at the Dronacharya Stadium, located in the sacred land of Dharmakshetra–Kurukshetra.

Earlier, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Member of Parliament Naveen Jindal, and former Minister of State Subhash Sudha felicitated the winners of MP Sports Mahotsav 2025 with cash awards and prizes. On this occasion, shooter Gurjot Singh and para-athlete Dilbag Singh Hisar were honored with special awards. The Chief Minister congratulated MP Naveen Jindal and his entire team for the successful organization and said that nearly 1.10 lakh players showcased their talent across various sports during the Mahotsav.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini further stated that a comprehensive sports calendar has been prepared to organize sporting competitions throughout the year in the state. Under this calendar, events such as Khel Mahakumbh, state-level Akhara Dangal, boxing, volleyball, athletics, badminton, swimming, basketball, handball, and other competitions are regularly conducted. He added that a clear vision for sports development in Haryana was formulated 11 years ago, with the objective of connecting every child with sports, developing playgrounds in every village, and providing opportunities to every youth with a passion for sports. The ultimate goal of this vision is to make Haryana not only the sports capital of India, but also of the world.

Chief Minister said that today Haryana is known as the nursery of sports, with its athletes bringing immense pride to the nation at the international level. Whether it is the Olympic Games, Asian Games, or Commonwealth Games, players from Haryana have consistently hoisted the Tricolour high across every platform. He said that the Sansad Sports Festival serves as an important platform to nurture and promote sporting talent, and several initiatives have been taken by the state government to bring such talent to the forefront.

The Chief Minister said that sports nurseries have been established across the state to groom players from an early age, where they are provided with financial assistance along with professional training. At present, 1,472 sports nurseries are functioning in Haryana, training 37,225 players. Under this scheme, players in the 8 to 14 age group receive a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500, while those aged 15 to 19 years are given Rs 2,000 per month.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini further stated that to ensure secure employment opportunities for outstanding athletes, the Haryana Excellent Players Service Rules, 2021 were implemented. Under these rules, 550 new posts were created in the Sports Department, and government jobs have been provided to 231 players so far. Reservation has also been made for sportspersons in direct recruitment for posts ranging from Class I to Class IV. He added that medal-winning athletes are awarded cash prizes of up to Rs 6 crore. So far, cash awards amounting to Rs 683.15 crore have been distributed to 16,418 players. In addition, honorariums are being provided to 298 outstanding players. Scholarships are also awarded to students who participate and win medals in state, national, and international sports competitions. Since 2014, scholarships worth Rs 70 crore have been provided to more than 24,000 students.

He further said that the state government is also providing sports equipment to players through the Haryana Sports Equipment Provision Scheme. Under this scheme, sports equipment has been distributed to 15,634 players across the state.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana’s daughters, Unnati Hooda, Anmol Kharb, Devika Sihag, and Ridhikaur Thur, have brought pride to the state by winning the gold medal at the 78th Inter-State Inter-Zonal Badminton Championship 2025 held in Vijayawada. The Chief Minister congratulated the players and their coaches for this outstanding achievement. He said that both the men’s and women’s badminton teams from Haryana reached the finals of the 78th Inter-State Inter-Zonal Badminton Championship 2025. In the final match, the Haryana women’s badminton team secured the gold medal by defeating the Andhra Pradesh team. Meanwhile, the final match of the men’s badminton championship will be played between Haryana and Andhra Pradesh.

New era of sports begins in MP Sports Festival Kurukshetra: Naveen Jindal

Expressing his gratitude to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, MP Naveen Jindal said that MP Sports Mahotsav 2025 is not merely a closing ceremony, but marks the beginning of a new era of sports in Kurukshetra. He shared his vision of ensuring the availability of sports equipment and trained coaches in every village of Kurukshetra. To achieve this goal, sports stadiums will be developed within the next one year, and gym equipment will be provided in every village over the next two years.

While administering a pledge to the players, he said that an increasing number of youth from the Kurukshetra Lok Sabha constituency should actively participate in sports and commit themselves to staying away from social evils such as drug addiction. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the Sansad Khel Mahotsav with the objective of empowering youth to excel in sports, thereby nurturing national and international-level players in every village. He further stated that a record 1.10 lakh players from the nine Assembly segments of the Kurukshetra Lok Sabha constituency contributed to making the Sansad Sports Mahotsav 2025 a historic success.

Chandigarh, December 23 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini today reviewed the final preparations for various events scheduled for Union Home and Cooperation Minister Sh Amit Shah’s visit to Panchkula on December 24. The Chief Minister directed the concerned officials to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place.

Notably, on the eve of the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna, late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Sh Amit Shah will participate in several events in Panchkula. During the visit, he will inaugurate and inspect multiple important public welfare and nation-building initiatives.

Statue Unveiling and Exhibition at Atal Park

Shri Amit Shah will inaugurate the statue of Bharat Ratna, former Prime Minister Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at Atal Park in MDC Sector-1. He will also visit an exhibition based on the life and thoughts of Atal ji and inaugurate a large blood donation camp, encouraging donors by presenting badges.

Police Passing Out Parade at Tau Devi Lal Sports Stadium

The Union Home Minister will attend the Police Passing Out Parade at Tau Devi Lal Sports Stadium, Sector-3. He will take the salute of over 5,000 newly recruited police personnel and address them, inspiring them to serve the nation with dedication.

Mega Cooperative Conference at Indradhanush Auditorium

As per the scheduled program, Shri Amit Shah will be the chief guest at the Mega Cooperative Conference at Indradhanush Auditorium, Sector-5. Here, he will address representatives from the cooperative sector and share his vision for strengthening cooperative movements in the country. After this, Shri Amit Shah will address the newly appointed police personnel during the passing out parade at Tau Devi Lal Sports Stadium, Sector-3.

In the evening, the Union Home Minister will attend the program at Atal Park, MDC Sector-1, where he will unveil the statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, view the exhibition, and inaugurate the blood donation camp.

Sahibzaadon Ko Naman’ program on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas

Later, Sh Amit Shah will participate as chief guest in the ‘Sahibzaadon Ko Naman’ program on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas at Indradhanush Auditorium, Sector-5. The program includes an exhibition on the life and sacrifices of Veer Sahibzadas, a sand art show, release of a coffee table book, and a vision document.

All necessary arrangements have been completed by the district administration and concerned departments to ensure that the programs are conducted smoothly, safely, and with full dignity.

Chandigarh, 23 December 2025:

Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion, Power & NRI Affairs, Government of Punjab, Sh. Sanjeev Arora, on Tuesday highlighted the significant industrial contribution and future expansion plans of HPCL–Mittal Energy Ltd. (HMEL), reaffirming the State Government’s commitment under the visionary leadership of National Convenor Sh. Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Punjab S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to support large-scale investments and strengthen Punjab’s industrial ecosystem.

Shri Prabh Das, Managing Director & CEO, HMEL said that we are going to invest in a refinery and petrochemical complex in Bhatinda. We produce fuels like petrol, diesel, LPG, ATF, along with polymers including polyethylene and polypropylene. We got full support from people of Punjab as well as the government during construction and operations of this massive complex. So far, neither construction or operations have been affected even for a day during the last so many years. This is mainly due to proactive policies and ease of doing business of the Punjab government. We are fortunate to have a farsighted leader, Shri Sanjeev Arora, who is dynamic, reform centric, development oriented and outcome focused. He said that under Sanjeev Arora dynamic leadership, Punjab’s industrial growth will create new opportunities for entrepreneurs, industries, and youth of the state.

Sh. Sanjeev Arora said that HMEL stands as a landmark public–private partnership between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)—a Navratna and Fortune 500 PSU—and Mittal Energy Investment Pte. Ltd., Singapore (Lakshmi N. Mittal Group), and has emerged as one of Punjab’s most significant industrial success stories. He assured them that they will get full government support for expanding their plant in Punjab.

He noted that HMEL’s refinery and integrated petrochemical complex, spread over about 2,000 acres at village Phulokheri, tehsil Talwandi Sabo, district Bathinda, commenced refinery operations in 2011, while the addition of the petrochemical facility in 2023 has substantially enhanced value addition and downstream industrial activity in the State.

The Minister highlighted that HMEL currently has an annual turnover of approximately Rs. 90,000 crore and contributes around Rs. 2,100 crore annually to the State exchequer in the shape of taxes, underlining its critical role in Punjab’s economy. The project provides employment to nearly 10,000 persons, both directly and indirectly, making it one of the largest industrial employers in Punjab.

He further pointed out that HMEL produces substantial quantities of LPG, petrol and diesel, playing a crucial role in meeting the fuel requirements of North India. In addition, HMEL is the second-largest producer of polymers in India, catering to nearly 14 per cent of the country’s total polymer demand.

Referring to recent developments, Sh. Sanjeev Arora said that through its 100 percent subsidiary HMEL Organics Pvt. Ltd. (HOPL), a Bio-Ethanol Plant was commissioned in 2024 adjoining the existing refinery. Building on this, HOPL has proposed a forward integration project in fine chemicals, involving a phased investment of over Rs. 2,600 crore.

The proposed expansion is expected to generate around 500 additional direct and indirect employment opportunities, result in an additional annual turnover of about Rs. 2,400 crore, and has strong export potential, further positioning Punjab as a hub for petrochemicals and value-added manufacturing.

Reiterating the Government’s pro-industry approach, Sh. Sanjeev Arora stated that the Government of Punjab remains fully committed to facilitating such large-scale investments through progressive policies, time-bound approvals, and an investor-centric ecosystem, ensuring sustained industrial growth and employment generation in the State.

Shri Prabh Das, Managing Director & CEO, HMEL; Shri Sanjeev Malhotra, Vice President, HMEL; Shri Vishav Bandhu, Chief State Coordinator, HMEL; Ms. Seema Bansal, Vice Chairperson, Punjab Development Commission; and Shri  Amit Dhaka, IAS, CEO, Punjab Invest were present during the press conference.

Chandigarh, December 23

Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday announced that the state has achieved a significant fiscal milestone in the financial year 2025-26, driven by a 16.03% surge in GST collections amounting to Rs 17,860.09 crore and a robust Excise revenue collection of Rs 7,401 crore up to November 2025. Attributing this success to a harmonious framework of innovation and vigilance, the Finance Minister highlighted that the Excise and Taxation department has not only surpassed previous benchmarks but also successfully implemented the One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme-2025 and advanced data analytics to dismantle tax evasion.

Reviewing the sectoral performance, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections grew by Rs 2,467.30 crore over the corresponding period of the previous year, reflecting the state’s focus on economic recovery and improved taxpayer compliance. He said that even after the GST 2.0 rate rationalisation in September 2025, which reduced taxes on essential items from 12% to 5%, the department’s targeted initiatives kept cash tax collections steady. Simultaneously, the Value Added Tax (VAT) and Central Sales Tax (CST) collections reached Rs 5,451.76 crore, marking a 3.35% increase compared to the prior year.

“The Excise Commissionerate has also displayed exceptional performance under the Excise Policy 2025-26, which set an ambitious annual collection target of Rs 11,020 crore. By November 2025, the department has already registered an 8.64% increase in excise revenue over the same period last year”, said the Finance Minister while adding that this follows the record-breaking performance of the previous financial year 2024-25, where revenue grew by 16.36% to reach Rs 10,723 crore. The Finance Minister also emphasized that enforcement remains a priority, with 3,860 FIRs lodged and 3,795 arrests made this year to curb liquor smuggling and illicit distillation.

The Finance further added that another major highlight of the year was the success of the One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme-2025, which has disposed of 3,574 cases as of December 18, 2025, yielding Rs 52 crore in total recoveries while providing tax waivers to the trading community. He said that the Taxation department also leveraged its indigenous Tax Intelligence Unit (TIU) and big data analytics to recover Rs 344.06 crore in taxes and penalties through tool-generated insights. Furthermore, the persistent monitoring of GSTR-3B non-filers resulted in Rs 2,185.96 crore in cash deposits.

The Finance Minister also lauded the State Intelligence & Preventive Units (SIPUs) for their escalated enforcement regime, which saw penalty impositions rise to Rs 618.53 crore.