CHANDIGARH, 6 April 2026:

Reaffirming the zero-tolerance policy against tax evasion under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday announced that the Punjab Government has achieved record enforcement outcomes in the financial year 2025–26, marking a decisive shift towards intelligence-led action and robust revenue protection.

Detailing the performance, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “Driven by the focused and intelligence-led actions of the State Intelligence and Preventive Units, the State Taxation Department imposed massive penalties amounting to ₹1,383.11 crore during the year. Out of this imposed amount, a staggering ₹1,137.85 crore has already been recovered, reflecting a significant leap in enforcement efficiency and revenue realization for Punjab.”

Highlighting the backbone of this success, he added, “Inspection-based enforcement emerged as the primary driver, accounting for ₹1,215.95 crore in penalties and ₹972.15 crore in actual recoveries. Alongside this, road checking operations contributed a solid ₹165.71 crore. This performance marks a multi-fold improvement over FY 2024–25, where inspection enforcement resulted in ₹147.28 crore imposed and ₹41.53 crore recovered, and road checking recoveries stood at ₹157.14 crore. This sharp surge in FY 2025–26 underscores a transformational shift in the state’s capacity for detection, enforcement, and actual financial recovery.”

Underlining the crackdown on fraudulent networks, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The Taxation Department registered eight FIRs and carried out 15 arrests throughout the year. Two of the most prominent FIRs involved seven individuals and exposed fraudulent transactions worth ₹385 crore. These targeted operations uncovered tax evasion of ₹69.57 crore orchestrated by firms engaged in issuing invoices without the actual supply of goods.”

He added, “Additional FIRs were registered across Bathinda, Mandi Gobindgarh, Ludhiana, and Chandigarh to take decisive action against illegal transport of goods and deceptive billing networks. In one highly significant operation, a Ludhiana-based proprietor was arrested for passing fraudulent Input Tax Credit exceeding ₹9 crore.”

He further stated, “The department’s advanced intelligence network yielded several major detections, including uncovering ₹900 crore of fake billing in gold transactions in Ludhiana, ₹226 crore in illicit coal transactions across Mohali, Kharar, and Kotkapura, and ₹423 crore of bogus billing networks operating in Ludhiana and Mandi Gobindgarh. Furthermore, complex investigations uncovered a ₹200 crore fraud involving the ‘Pet Pooja App,’ highlighting the massive scale and sophisticated nature of modern evasion networks.”

On verification drives, the Minister stated, “Focused verification exercises led to the identification of 1,579 suspicious dealers. Following rigorous checks, 922 of these entities were found to be non-existent and their registrations were subsequently cancelled in close coordination with central authorities.”

Emphasising ITC safeguards, he noted, “Strong Input Tax Credit control measures resulted in ₹244.82 crore being actively blocked and ₹206.64 crore reversed. These proactive steps successfully safeguarded ₹451.46 crore in state funds, alongside an additional ₹19.08 crore realized through direct cash recovery.”

Highlighting intensified field enforcement, he added, “During a special drive conducted simultaneously at Mandi Gobindgarh and Ludhiana, a record 141 vehicles were detained in a single day. The department also strengthened enforcement at railway stations and major transit points, with particular scrutiny on high-risk sectors such as iron and steel, cement, auto parts, tobacco, and metals.”

Crediting institutional and technological strength, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The role of State Intelligence and Preventive Unit, Tax Intelligence Unit, and the ‘Bill Liao Inaam Pao’ Scheme has been pivotal. The overwhelming success of these enforcement measures has been powered by advanced data analytics, real-time e-way bill tracking, continuous intelligence inputs, and newly developed digital enforcement portals. These technological advancements have enabled swift and highly coordinated action on the ground.”

Reaffirming the Bhagwant Mann Government’s commitment, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “The performance of FY 2025–26 reflects a transformational shift towards intelligence-led enforcement, significantly strengthening compliance and revenue mobilization across Punjab. Such deterrent actions will continue with even greater intensity to permanently dismantle fraudulent networks, promote genuine business practices, protect honest taxpayers, and safeguard the state’s vital revenues.”

Chandigarh, March 29 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said today that we live in an era where an informed public observes, understands and makes decisions based on experience. The people of Punjab first gave the Congress party, and then the Aam Aadmi Party, a chance. Both made grand promises, but today, every section of Punjab is asking- Where have those promises gone, and where is the change that was promised?

Addressing a gathering in Kurali, Punjab, on Sunday, the Chief Minister said the Aam Aadmi Party claims to represent honesty. Yet under their rule, issues like drug addiction, crime, lawlessness, financial crises, and deteriorating law and order remain rampant. In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is guided by the principle of “sabka saath, sabka vishwas, sabka prayas” — everyone’s support, everyone’s trust, and everyone’s effort.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini asked, “How long can politics be built on lies? When the winds of truth blow, the picture will change.” He emphasized that Punjab needs a double-engine government — one that not only makes promises but also has the capacity to fulfill them. Leadership is needed that is fearless in decision-making, prioritizes public interests, and works for the nation.

“Now, give the Bharatiya Janata Party a chance. I assure you that we will honor your trust and take Punjab to new heights of development,” he said. He added that the upcoming elections will shape Punjab’s future — a choice for the prosperity of every farm and business, for employment opportunities, and for the future of children.

The Chief Minister highlighted that each vote will form the foundation of this transformation. Public support will strengthen the BJP, and a strong double-engine BJP government will set Punjab on a path of renewed growth. He concluded by affirming that the BJP has clear policies, unwavering intentions, and a commitment to development. Applying this model in Punjab will make the state prosperous, secure, and progressive once again.

The Chief Minister said that the work of the double-engine government in Haryana over the past 11 years tells a story of positive change in the lives of ordinary people. The government ensured transparent governance, making certain that the benefits of various schemes reached all citizens without discrimination. By eliminating the system of “kharchi parchi,” nearly 200,000 youth were given jobs based on merit. Today, the youth of Haryana proudly acknowledge that they are reaping the rewards of their hard work.

Nayab Singh Saini highlighted the launch of the Deendayal Lado Laxmi Yojana, aimed at providing economic and social security to women and girls in Haryana. Under this scheme, financial assistance of ₹2,100 is provided to beneficiaries. To date, ₹834 crore has been disbursed to 956,000 women and girls. In contrast, the Punjab government has failed to release the promised funds to women, and even after more than four years, it remains indifferent to their needs.

The Chief Minister said that under the government’s initiative, poor women in Haryana are receiving gas cylinders for just ₹500 per month to run their kitchens. Under this scheme, approximately ₹243 crore has been deposited into the bank accounts of around 14.38 lakh eligible women across the state.

He added that farmers’ welfare remains central to government policies. All 24 crops in Haryana are being procured at the minimum support price. So far, ₹164,000 crore has been deposited into the accounts of 12 lakh farmers for crop purchases. Over the past 11 years, ₹16,160 crore has been provided to farmers as compensation for crop loss under the PMFBY. Additionally, under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, ₹7,562 crore has been deposited in 22 installments into the accounts of approximately 20.18 lakh farmers.

The Chief Minister further said that crop residue management machines are being provided to farmers at a 50 percent subsidy to support stubble management. To date, 1,10,767 machines have been subsidized. He also highlighted the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, designed to protect farmers from fluctuations in market prices. This scheme covers 21 horticultural crops, including 14 vegetables, two spices, and five fruits. So far, incentives totaling ₹177 crore have been directly transferred to the bank accounts of 38,334 farmers under this initiative.

Chandigarh, March 27 – A meeting of the District Public Relations and Grievance Redressal Committee was held at Yamunanagar on Friday, under the chairmanship of Haryana Social Justice, Empowerment, SCs and BCs Welfare and Antyodaya (SEWA), Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi.

During the meeting, a total of 15 complaints were placed, out of which the Cabinet Minister resolved 9 complaints on the spot, while directions were issued to resolve the remaining 6 complaints by the next meeting.

Among the complaints disposed of on the spot, a resident of the village Gadhauli raised the issue of the removal of soil from the embankment of the Chatang River. In a complaint regarding the cutting of Panchayati trees, the Cabinet Minister directed the Forest Department to issue notices and recover the value of the felled trees for deposit with the Panchayat.

Similarly, in a complaint regarding the approval of certain portions of a property ID for the registry, the Cabinet Minister directed the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Naveen Ahuja, the Executive Engineer of the Municipal Corporation, and committee members Priyank Sharma and Sangeeta Singhal, to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a report.

A complaint about the development of an illegal colony on HUDA land near Basant Nagar. The Minister directed officers to investigate the matter and submit a report. Similarly, in a complaint regarding a depot holder from village Sarawa, alleged that action regarding Public Distribution System (PDS) license ration supply was taken without hearing his side. The Minister directed the Additional Deputy Commissioner to inquire into the matter and submit a report.

In another complaint regarding the crop damage caused due to leakage of chemically contaminated wastewater from a water treatment plant, the Minister directed the Executive Engineer, Public Health Engineering Department, Jagadhri, to ensure compensation to the farmer and repair the pipeline.

MLA, Yamunanagar, Sh. Ghanshyam Dass Arora, Deputy Commissioner, Smt. Preeti, Superintendent of Police, Sh. Kamaldeep Goyal, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Sh. Mahabir Prasad, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Naveen Ahuja, BJP District President, Sh. Rajesh Sapra, Chairman, Zila Parishad, Sh. Ramesh Thaska, along with other officers and dignitaries, were present during the meeting.

Chandigarh, March 22 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana laid the foundation stone of a Mini Secretariat in Radaur, to be constructed at an estimated cost of around Rs. 40 crore. He said the project will give a new direction to the development of the area.

The Minister said that the Mini Secretariat will provide various government services at one place, saving time and resources for the public. He added that the building will be equipped with modern facilities and will house key government offices, reducing the need for people to travel to different locations for administrative work.

He also inaugurated the Atal Kisan Mazdoor Canteen in the Radaur grain market, which will be run by women of self-help groups. He said the initiative aims to provide affordable meals to farmers, labourers and other needy people, with food available at Rs. 10 per plate.

He further said that under the vision of the Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, efforts are being made to ensure the welfare of all sections of society, especially farmers, labourers and the underprivileged.

Former MLA, Sh. Ishwar Singh Palaka, Chairman, Market Committee, Sh. Rupinder Singh and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Chandigarh: The apex body of traders in the city, Chandigarh Beopar Mandal (CBM), will celebrate its Founders’ Day and Traders’ Day on March 22 at Mahila Bhawan in Sector 38. This information was shared by CBM Vice President and official spokesperson Diwakar Sahuja. On this occasion, CBM President Sanjeev Chadha appealed to all members to make the event grand and successful. He urged each member to bring at least five people along to the समारोह, so as to showcase the unity and strength of the trader community.

The event will be presided over by Punjab Governor and Administrator of Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, while Sunil J. Singhi, Chairman of the National Traders Welfare Board, New Delhi, will attend as the Guest of Honour. During the meeting, representatives of several traders’ associations shared their suggestions to ensure the success of the event and also assured financial support. Prominent attendees included Mohit Sood (President, Grain Market Association), Anil Jain (Sector 7C Market Association), Ramesh Khandelwal (Sector 31 Market Association), Gursharan Batra (son of Late Inder Lal Batra), Gurinder Singh (Sector 22 Market), Subhash Narang (Senior Vice President, CBM), and Baljinder Gujral (Vice President, CBM), along with several other key members.

Charanjiv Singh, Chairman of CBM, shared memories related to the organization’s foundation day and remembered the contributions of its founder, Late Inder Lal Batra. He also urged members to prepare and present the demands related to their respective markets at the event so that they can be placed before the chief guests.

Chandigarh 15 March 2026:

Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora said that MSMEs are participating 25 to 30% in GDP growth of India. He urged to use maximum artificial intelligence to run the business and day to day work in your offices. MSME are executing arm of the economy and also the natural manufacturing machine of the country. Our government is focusing on modernization and expansion of MSMEs. He advised industrialists to focus on price and quality rather than marketing to increase demand of the products. There is no dearth of skills in Punjab.

Furthermore, Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora highlighted that Punjab Government, with a robust base of nearly 1.6 lakh MSME units, plans to establish a dedicated agency which will transform its MSME ecosystem into a highly dynamic and globally competitive sector. MSME Punjab will serve as a single institutional platform to enhance competitiveness, improve access to finance, technology, markets, skills, and promote cluster-based development.

He stated that Punjab will adopt a cluster-based strategy to drive MSME sector development, leveraging economies of scale, shared facilities, and collective efficiency among co-located enterprises. The State aims to optimize the use of cluster development schemes, while also introducing its own State-level cluster development program to address unmet needs and bridge gaps in existing frameworks.

Cluster interventions will be designed to strengthen infrastructure, technology adoption, and market readiness of MSMEs through proactive collaboration between government departments, industry associations, and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) formed by cluster members. The objective is to create a synergistic environment that fosters innovation, cost competitiveness, and sustainable industrial growth, he added.

Gurkirat Kirpal Singh IAS Secretary Industries and Commerce said that Punjab Government is encouraging MSMEs to expand their business in Punjab and several incentives are being given to MSMEs so that they can set up their plant in Punjab. A lot of opportunities are available in this sector. He added that Punjab Government have accepted 77% recommendations of sectoral committees and launched most attractive industrial policy. Time bound clearances are being given to the Investors and this new industrial policy will help enterpreneurs.

Professor Rudhra Pratap Vice Chancellor of Plaksha University, Mr. Dharmesh Goswami Partner, KPMG, Mr. Bhupinder Pal Singh Anand Director, Jal Bath Fittings, Mr. Manbir Singh Director, IEE Elevators, Mr. Rajesh Mehra MD, Active Clothing were participated in MSMEs Session.