Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab records 88 % revenue growth under new Excise Policy: Minister Harpal Cheema
Harshabab Sidhu
Chandigarh, March 22, 2025 – Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema announced an 88% growth in state revenue under the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) excise policy.
Addressing the media, Cheema stated that the revenue increased from ₹6,200 crore to ₹8,428 crore in the first financial year under the policy, followed by ₹9,235 crore in the second year and ₹9,565 crore in the third year.
The government expects to achieve a revenue of ₹10,200 crore by the end of the current financial year. For the upcoming financial year, Cheema revealed that 87% of the liquor groups — equivalent to 179 groups — have already been sold.
Cheema further claimed that the AAP government’s efforts have not only boosted revenue but also eradicated the liquor mafia in the state.
"Under our government, the liquor mafia has been completely eliminated," he asserted. The revised excise policy was introduced to curb illegal trade and maximize state revenue.