In a proud declaration from Chandigarh, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema revealed on Tuesday that the state has clinched a spot in India’s top three for revenue growth. This success story is built on the AAP government’s four-year journey of implementing deep-rooted reforms, maintaining strict fiscal controls, and ensuring transparent governance.
Cheema backed his claims with comprehensive statistics, painting a picture of fiscal revival. The state’s tax revenue jumped from ₹37,327 crore (6.39% of GSDP) in 2021-22 to ₹57,919 crore (7.15% of GSDP) in 2024-25.
Excise revenue growth stole the show, with an 86.77% rise in under four years. Historical comparisons were telling: SAD-BJP averaged ₹4,109 crore annually over five years; Congress managed ₹5,479 crore. AAP’s performance? A staggering ₹9,907 crore annual average, totaling ₹37,975 crore by January 2026.
Projections indicate excise collections hitting ₹11,500 crore in 2025-26, elevating its GSDP share from 1.05% to 1.28%.
GST collections have similarly soared. The Congress era saw ₹61,286 crore total (₹12,257 crore average), hampered by compensation dependency. AAP has flipped the script, gathering ₹83,739 crore (₹21,845 crore average) by January 2026.
Cheema emphasized proactive tax base expansion, crediting it for Punjab’s leap forward. As the state eyes sustained prosperity, this data-driven approach promises dividends for infrastructure, education, and healthcare investments.