Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab recorded an 11.84% year-on-year growth in net GST revenue in August 2026, with collections rising to ₹2,406.33 crore from ₹2,151.63 crore in August 2025, Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said on Tuesday.
The state registered an increase of ₹254.70 crore in net GST revenue during the month, reflecting continued growth in economic activity and improved tax compliance.
Cheema said Punjab also recorded a strong rise in SGST cash collection, which increased from ₹750.37 crore in August 2025 to ₹891.24 crore in August 2026. The ₹140.87-crore increase represents a growth of 18.77%, which he described as the highest SGST cash growth recorded by any major state during the month.
For the April-August 2026 period, Punjab’s total GST revenue reached ₹12,861.42 crore, compared with ₹10,971.62 crore during the corresponding period last year. This represents a growth of around 17%, or an increase of ₹1,889.80 crore.
Cheema attributed the improved revenue performance to growing taxpayer confidence, sustained economic activity and technology-driven tax administration. He said the government was simultaneously intensifying enforcement measures to prevent tax evasion and protect public revenue.
According to the minister, three cases related to alleged GST evasion were registered in Mandi Gobindgarh on August 20, 2026, under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
In a separate operation, the State GST Mobile Wing uncovered a suspected fraudulent refund network linked to M/s A-One International. The operation resulted in the recovery of ₹1 crore in cash, while around ₹18 lakh was frozen in a bank account. Refund claims worth approximately ₹5 crore were also withheld pending verification.
Cheema said the investigation involves suspected fake purchases, wrongful availment of input tax credit and attempts to obtain fraudulent refunds from the government exchequer. Further investigation is underway to identify all entities involved and recover the outstanding amount.
He said the government would continue to facilitate honest taxpayers while using data-based investigations and strict enforcement against fake billing, fraudulent input tax credit and refund fraud.
Cheema also appreciated compliant taxpayers and officials of the Excise and Taxation Department for contributing to the state’s improved revenue performance. He said the additional revenue would strengthen Punjab’s capacity to fund public services and development works.
