*Hockey Asian Champions Trophy: India Registers Fourth Consecutive Win with Harmanpreet Singh's Hat-trick*
*Flood of Hockey Lovers Witnesses Matches at Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium*
*Japan and South Korea Also Seal Semi-Final Berth*
*China and Bangladesh Out of Semi-Final Race*
*India Beats Malaysia 4-2*
*South Korea Defeats Bangladesh 5-0*
*Japan and China Play Out 2-2 Draw*
*Last Three League Matches to be Played Tomorrow on November 2*
*Jalandhar, November 1:*
In the Hero Asian Champions Trophy being played for the first time on Punjab soil, India defeated Malaysia 4-2 today on the fourth day of the league stage at Jalandhar, courtesy a hat-trick by Captain Harmanpreet Singh. South Korea defeated Bangladesh 5-0 while the match between Japan and China ended in a 2-2 draw. A flood of hockey lovers thronged the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium today to witness the high octane clashes.
With today's results, all four teams qualifying for the semi-finals have been decided. After today's results, Japan and South Korea have secured their place in the last four, while India and Malaysia had already reached the semi-finals. India continues to lead the table at the top spot. The final league rankings of the four semi-finalists are yet to be decided. The last three league matches of the league stage - China vs Bangladesh, Malaysia vs Japan, and India vs South Korea - will be played tomorrow on November 2, at Jalandhar, after which the semi-final line-up for November 4 at Mohali will become clear. China and Bangladesh, being out of the semi-final race, will play for the 5th position on November 4 at Mohali. Japan qualified for the semi-finals today with two wins and one draw, and South Korea with its second win, while India and Malaysia had already qualified.
In the third and last match of the day played between India and Malaysia, both already in the semi-finals, in a jampacked Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium, India registered its fourth consecutive win by defeating Malaysia 4-2. The score was tied 1-1 at half time.
For India, Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored a hat-trick today. Harmanpreet scored two goals from penalty corners and the third from a penalty stroke. Sukhjeet Singh scored a beautiful field goal. With this, Harmanpreet Singh's total tally in the tournament has reached eight goals and he is currently the top scorer. For Malaysia, Akhimullah and Shello Silverius scored the goals.
The second match of the day between Japan and China ended in a 2-2 draw. It was a very thrilling match full of fluctuating fortunes. China took the lead first with a goal by Zhang Jialang, which remained till three quarters. In the fourth quarter, Japan made a comeback scoring two goals to take the lead once. The goals were scored by Raiki Fujishima and Yuma Nagai. China equalized 2-2 three seconds before the final whistle through a penalty corner goal by Benhai Chen. With this draw, China is out of the semi-final race.
The first match of the day was played between South Korea and Bangladesh. South Korea registered a 5-0 win to book its semi-final berth with its second victory in the tournament. The winning team was leading 2-0 at half time. It was also the fourth consecutive defeat for Bangladesh. With this defeat, Bangladesh is also out of the semi-final race. For South Korea, Son Da - In scored three and Park Geunwoo scored two goals.
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*Punjab Women’s Mobile Phones Ring ‘Toon-Toon’ of Sanman Rashi, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Transfers Money Into Their Bank Accounts*
*Samman Rashi Worth ₹1,291 Crore Transferred Directly Into Bank Accounts Of More Than 37.43 Lakh Mothers & Sisters Across Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Target Is To Cover 1 Crore Women Under Scheme, With 80 Lakh Registrations Already Completed: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*First Scheme In Country To Ensure Financial Freedom For All Women Without Any Conditions: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Will Transfer Money To All Registered Women’s Bank Accounts On January 1, Giving Them New Year Gift: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Returning Public Money To People Through Schools, Hospitals, Roads, Canals & ₹10 Lakh Sehat Card: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Addresses Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojna Function In Abohar Halqa*
ABOHAR; 1st November 2026:
Punjab’s women witnessed the ‘Toon-Toon’ of financial empowerment as their mobile phones buzzed with SMS alerts confirming the transfer of ₹1,291 crore in Sanman Rashi directly into the bank accounts of more than 37.43 lakh beneficiaries. During a massive gathering in Abohar, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Mukh Mantri Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojna was aimed at bringing one crore women under its ambit, with nearly 80 lakh registrations already completed. Describing it as a social revolution that would strengthen women’s financial independence and self-respect, the Chief Minister announced that all registered beneficiaries would receive their payments together on January 1 as a New Year gift, reiterating that his government was returning public money to people through schools, hospitals, roads, canals and ₹10 lakh health insurance coverage.
Sharing a few snippets from this occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, during a massive gathering in Abohar for the ‘Mukh Mantri Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojna’, Sanman Rashi worth ₹1,291 crore was transferred directly into the bank accounts of more than 37.43 lakh mothers and sisters across Punjab. This scheme is a ‘Social Revolution’ that will economically empower our daughters and sisters and strengthen their self-respect. Our target is to bring one crore women of Punjab under this scheme. We are continuously working to fulfil our promise of ensuring financial freedom for the women of Punjab.”
Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojna is not merely a financial assistance scheme but a social revolution aimed at strengthening the self-confidence, self-respect and dignity of mothers and daughters. The initiative will ensure financial freedom for women by putting money directly into their hands, enabling them to make independent decisions and lead a life of dignity.”
Taking a dig at the opposition parties, the Chief Minister said that even women belonging to the families of his political rivals in the Akali Dal (Badal) and Congress are receiving benefits under the scheme, yet their leaders continued to criticise it merely to please their political masters. He reiterated that the AAP government is committed to serving every eligible woman without political discrimination, as public welfare was above party politics.
He said, “The money being distributed under the scheme belongs to the common people, who contribute to the state exchequer through their taxes. The state government is simply returning people’s money to them through welfare initiatives and development programmes. When ordinary citizens pay taxes, they have every right to receive quality facilities, social security and a better quality of life in return.”
He said, “The government had already disbursed ₹2,643.71 crore to 76.35 lakh women under the scheme. With today’s transfer, the total financial assistance distributed has reached ₹3,934.80 crore.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said, “As of October 29, 2026, 80.05 lakh women had already registered under the scheme, and the government is working towards its ambitious target of covering one crore women. There are no restrictive household-based conditions, and every eligible woman is entitled to receive the financial assistance independently. Even if three eligible women belong to the same household, all three will receive the benefit. The scheme will provide financial assistance worth ₹12,000 crore annually, making it one of the most significant initiatives for women’s financial empowerment in the country.”
Appreciating the contribution of women engaged in facilitating registrations, the Chief Minister said, “A total of 1,37,723 Satkar Sakhis are engaged in facilitating registrations under the scheme. Incentives amounting to ₹51.30 crore will be provided to these Satkar Sakhis for their contribution, while Anganwadi workers engaged in the registration process will also receive incentives worth ₹25 crore. The government is ensuring that those working at the grassroots level are duly recognised and rewarded for their efforts.”
Giving further details, he said, “The next instalment will also bring smiles to women’s faces on December 1, followed by another transfer on January 1, when the assistance for three months will be credited to the accounts of eligible beneficiaries. I am confident that the number of beneficiaries will reach the ambitious target of one crore by then. Our government has provided 70,685 government jobs strictly on merit, without any cash, favouritism or political recommendation.”
Highlighting other initiatives undertaken for public welfare, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The government has issued 54 lakh health cards under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, established Aam Aadmi Clinics and provided 300 units of free electricity every month to 90% of households. These initiatives reflect our commitment to ensuring that the benefits of governance reach every household, particularly the common people who had remained deprived of basic facilities for decades. Our focus is on transforming people’s lives rather than indulging in political theatrics.”
Taking a sharp dig at the Shiromani Akali Dal, Congress and BJP, he said, “These parties have nothing constructive to offer to the people of Punjab and are united only by their hunger for political power. The Akali Dal, which failed to answer for the painful incidents of sacrilege, has been reduced to the Badal family and a handful of close associates. The Congress, on the other hand, is a divided house where its own leaders are constantly at loggerheads with one another.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These political parties are hand in glove with each other, with their sole agenda being to grab power and protect their vested interests. Abohar has suffered due to years of family-centric politics, which held back its development and deprived its people of the progress they deserved. The people of Punjab have already made up their minds to give the Aam Aadmi Party another opportunity to serve the state in 2027.”
He said, “The people have witnessed the difference between politics driven by personal interests and governance driven by public welfare. They have trusted me so far, and I hope they will continue to repose their faith in me in the future as well. The AAP government has worked with honesty and dedication to fulfil the aspirations of every section of society. I am confident that the people of Punjab will give a befitting reply to the misleading propaganda of opposition parties by supporting the politics of development, transparency and public welfare.”
Reiterating his government’s commitment to the state, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The AAP government will continue to work tirelessly for the progress of Punjab, the empowerment of women, the welfare of every household and the creation of a prosperous future for the coming generations.”
Taking the Congress party to task, he said, “The Congress party is on its deathbed and will be finished very soon, as it has no vision for the people and the state. Its only aim is to plunder the wealth of Punjab by assuming power, but its dreams will never be fulfilled. Congress leaders are daydreaming about assuming power in the state, but the party is a divided house that will collapse due to its infighting. It is a pity that the top Congress leaders who come to unite these leaders squabbling for power are not even aware of how to pronounce their names.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government is optimally utilising every single penny of the state exchequer for the well-being of the people. More than 90% of households in the state are getting free power. Even farmers are today getting power during the daytime, which is unprecedented. The tax money of the people belongs to the state and is being judiciously spent on their welfare. People’s money is coming back to them through development, schools, hospitals and roads.”
He said, “Our government is working for the people and has provided free electricity to households, jobs to over 70,000 youth without corruption, improved roads, closed toll plazas saving ₹70 lakh daily, imparted quality education and healthcare, and built infrastructure, besides undertaking several other key initiatives. The government is working tirelessly for the development of villages, for which grants are being given. To wean away the youth from the menace of drugs, 3,100 sports stadiums are being constructed in the state.”
Emphasising the importance of education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The state government has prioritised education and taken pathbreaking initiatives in the education sector to transform the lives of people. No freebie or concession card can eliminate poverty or other social maladies in the state. Education is the key that can pull people out of this vicious circle by raising their standard of living. Our government is making tireless efforts to improve the standard of education to empower the common people.”
He said, “Punjab has surpassed Kerala and other states in the field of education, which is the result of strenuous efforts by the state government, including teacher training programmes, Schools of Eminence and other initiatives. In 2021, just 80 students of government schools had cleared the coveted NEET examination, but this year, in 2026, the number has gone up by 11 times to 882. This is the difference between our governance and that of others, who never bothered about the school and education sector.”
Highlighting the expansion of canal irrigation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “For the first time in the history of the state, canal water has reached the fields of 1,587 villages that had never seen canal water. A total of 45,000 kilometres of roads are being renovated and upgraded to facilitate the residents of the state. The state government has spent ₹7,200 crore to ensure canal water reaches every field. After I assumed charge, the area under canal irrigation increased from 26% to 80%. In 2022, only 20 lakh 89 thousand acres received canal water, but today canal irrigation has reached 60 lakh 30 thousand acres.”
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
Vibrant food courts and giant LEDs give Asian Champions Trophy an international flair
Punjab Government ensures warm hospitality and world-class arrangements for hockey fans at Burlton Park
Jalandhar, November 1- The ongoing Asian Hockey Champions Trophy at Olympian Surjeet Hockey Stadium Burlton Park has transformed into a grand festival, thanks to flawless arrangements and warm hospitality by the Punjab Government and District Administration Jalandhar. Lush green surrounds, a vibrant atmosphere, and modern amenities have elevated the region's biggest sporting extravaganza into an international-grade spectacle.
Fans from across the district are thronging the stadium to soak in the festive energy. To ensure a seamless experience, the administration has established extensive public parking near the venue alongside spacious, well-curated food courts. Spectators are enjoying an array of culinary delights while catching every moment of the live hockey action on massive outdoor LED screens.
As night falls, the stadium comes alive under a vibrant display of decorative lighting, offering a mesmerizing backdrop for the thousands in attendance. With every detail meticulously planned, the host city is delivering a world-class experience for sports enthusiasts.
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Information and Public Relations Department Punjab
Harbhajan Singh ETO reviewed road development works in the state
Chandigarh, November 1:
Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO reviews the progress of road development works across Punjab during a meeting held at Punjab Bhawan.
Presiding over the review meeting, Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed to providing a better transport network to the people of the state.
During the meeting, he also assessed the constituency and division-wise status of the ongoing works related to state highways and link roads coming under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department.
While reviewing the works, he strictly instructed the officers that the projects of various items of link roads in the state such as SASCI, PMGSY and NABARD etc. should be completed on time as per the set targets. In view of the arrival of winter season, the officials were instructed to expedite the work to achieve the targets.
Instructions were given to ensure installation of lane markings and other equipment on the remaining roads to further improve road safety in the foggy conditions during the winter season.
The Cabinet Minister said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is undertaking construction and renovation work of 45000 km of roads in the state.
Joint Secretary Amarbir Sidhu PCS, Engineer-in-Chief Mr. Gagandeep Singh, Chief Engineer Mr. Arshdeep Singh, Supervising Engineers and Executive Engineers were present in the meeting.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*Indian Hockey Captain Harmanpreet Singh Hails Jalandhar Crowd as Electrifying, Says Playing at Home is Special*
*Started my Hockey here, representing country on same turf is a proud moment*
*Sarpanch Saab invites fans & families to throng stadium and cheer for India*
Jalandhar, November 1:
Indian Men's Hockey Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh today said that playing in Punjab, close to his home, in front of family and a jam-packed stadium has been a great and emotional experience for the entire team.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy being played at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium, Jalandhar, Harmanpreet popularly known as 'Sarpanch' said that hosting an international tournament of this stature in the State for the first time is a moment of pride. "The stadium is jam-packed and the energy of the crowd is electrifying. It boosts the team morale to a great extent. I started my hockey here and representing the country on the same turf is a big thing. Interacting with everyone's families around makes it even more special," he said.
Commenting on the team's performance, the twice Olympics Bronze Medalist at Tokyo & Paris said the team is shaping up very well. Referring to the tough encounter against Japan, he said such matches are very important and test the team's patience. "We displayed calmness and a balanced mindset during the first three quarters. We didn't score but we didn't concede either. In the last quarter we upped the tempo. The main thing is to have a strong mindset and stay focused throughout the 60 minutes," he added.
On the upcoming crucial match against Malaysia, Double Gold Medal winner at Hangzhou and Aichi Nagoya Asian Games Harmanpreet averred it would decide the pool topper as both teams have won three games each. "Every team is good. They haven't changed their tactics much. Our focus is on what we can do and are capable of achieving. Knowing your opponent is vital and you learn from each of the previous 10 matches you have played against them (Malaysia)," he stated.
The Captain further said that his friends have been sending him videos of the packed stadium and scores of people waiting outside, which is a clear proof of the love for hockey among Punjabis.
Appealing to the fans to throng the stadium in large numbers, Harmanpreet presently serving as DSP in Punjab Police, invited them to come with families and children to support the national squad. In his message in Punjabi, he urged people to motivate the team on its home ground, adding that it would also be a motivating factor for their children to take up sports.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*NARCOTICS SMUGGLING MODULE BUSTED IN AMRITSAR; TWO HELD WITH 5KG HEROIN*
*— ARRESTED ACCUSED WERE PROCURING HEROIN CONSIGNMENTS FROM UNIDENTIFIED ASSOCIATES FOR FURTHER SUPPLY IN PUNJAB: DGP GAURAV YADAV*
*— PROBE UNDERWAY TO UNCOVER COMPLETE FORWARD AND BACKWARD LINKAGES IN THIS CASE*
CHANDIGARH / AMRITSAR, November 1:
In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a drug-free state as per the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a narcotics smuggling network with the arrest of two individuals and recovered 5 kg heroin from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday.
Those arrested have been identified as Mahinder Singh and Kulwant Singh, both residents of Mustafabad in Amritsar.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused were allegedly procuring heroin consignments from unidentified associates and supplying them to other parties in the state.
Sharing operational details, he said that teams of CI Amritsar had received specific intelligence that Mahinder Singh and Kulwant Singh were actively involved in illicit heroin trafficking in collusion with other unidentified associates.
The input specifically disclosed that both accused had recently acquired a large consignment of heroin and were heading toward the Amritsar-Batala Road to deliver it to another party, he said, while adding that acting swiftly on the input, police teams conducted a raid and arrested both the suspects near the Mudhal Bypass. During a search of the accused, police teams recovered 5 kg of heroin from their possession, he added.
The DGP said that further investigation is underway to establish the complete forward and backward linkages in this case to identify other persons involved and dismantle the wider narcotics smuggling network.
In this regard, a case FIR No. 71 dated 01-11-2026 under sections 21 and 29 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*20 MONTHS OF YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH: OVER 90K DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 4464KG HEROIN*
*— POLICE TEAMS ALSO SEIZE ₹23-CR DRUG MONEY, 10.7-QTL OPIUM, 515-QTL POPPY HUSK, 67L INTOXICANT PILLS*
*— GANGSTRAN TE VAAR CONTINUES FOR DAY 285; 168 HELD*
CHANDIGARH, November 1:
With the ongoing decisive war against drugs ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has completed 20 months, Punjab Police has registered 69,101 first information reports (FIRs) and arrested 90,091 drug smugglers leading to the recovery of 4464 kg heroin since March 1, 2025.
Since the launch of this anti-drug drive, Punjab Police, under the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, has been conducting operations daily simultaneously in all the 28 Police districts of the state.
Apart from the recovery of 4464 kg haul of heroin, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Praveen Kumar Sinha said that police have also seized 10.7 quintals opium, 515 quintals poppy husk, 136 kg charas, 1860 kg ganja, 84 kg ICE, 67.24 lakh intoxicant pills/tablets, and ₹23 crore drug money.
Meanwhile, Police teams have continued ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign on Day 285 with 168 individuals arrested with 11 weapons after 479 raids, while, preventive action has been taken against 163 persons and eight proclaimed offenders (POs) were also held. People can anonymously report information related to wanted criminals and gangsters, and also share tips on crime and criminal activity, through the Anti Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*PUNJAB'S SGST CASH COLLECTION SURGES 28% AGAINST NATIONAL SGST GROWTH OF 14% IN OCTOBER: HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA*
*Punjab's gross GST collection reaches ₹2,716.60 crore in October, registering 14% growth: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Cumulative gross GST collection grows 16.39% during April–October, against national growth of 15%: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*SGST cash collections cross ₹1,000 crore for second time in 2026, touching ₹1,030.29 crore in October: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*VAT and CST collections record impressive 23.76% growth, reaching ₹763.49 crore: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Taxation Department imposes penalties of ₹111.12 crore in October; ₹20 crore tax recovered in Balaji Transport fraud case: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Four more transporters booked in same GST fraud network following further investigation: Harpal Singh Cheema*
Chandigarh, 1st November 2026
Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday announced that Punjab has registered an exceptional 28.29 per cent growth in State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) cash collections during October 2026, compared with approximately 14 per cent growth in SGST collections at the national level, highlighting the State Government's sustained efforts towards strengthening revenue mobilisation, improving tax compliance and curbing tax evasion.
Disclosing the latest collection figures, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, "Punjab's SGST cash collections increased from ₹803.07 crore in October 2025 to ₹1,030.29 crore in October 2026, registering an additional collection of ₹227.22 crore and a remarkable growth of 28.29 per cent.*
Highlighting the achievement, Finance Minister Cheema said, "Punjab has crossed the ₹1,000 crore SGST cash collection milestone for the second time during 2026, following the collection of approximately ₹1,182 crore in April." He said that this is the first time since the implementation of GST in 2017 that Punjab has achieved SGST cash collections exceeding ₹1,000 crore in October.
The Finance Minister further disclosed that Punjab's gross GST collections during October 2026 reached ₹2,716.60 crore, compared with ₹2,393.22 crore during October 2025, registering an increase of ₹323.38 crore and growth of approximately 14 per cent.
Highlighting Punjab's strong performance against the national trend during the current financial year, Cheema said, "State's cumulative gross GST revenue registered growth of 16.39 per cent during April–October 2026, compared with national cumulative gross GST growth of approximately 15 per cent during the corresponding period." He said that Punjab's sustained revenue growth demonstrates the effectiveness of improved compliance monitoring, technology-driven scrutiny and stronger revenue administration.
Giving details of the cumulative performance, Finance Minister Cheema informed that Punjab's gross GST collections during April–October 2026 reached ₹18,047.68 crore, compared with ₹15,505.66 crore during the corresponding period of the previous financial year, registering an additional collection of ₹2,542.02 crore.
Highlighting the strong performance under VAT and CST, the Finance Minister disclosed that the combined collections under these two tax heads increased by 23.76 per cent during October 2026, reaching ₹763.49 crore compared with ₹616.93 crore during October 2025. This represents an additional revenue of ₹146.56 crore, he added.
Cheema said that the encouraging growth across GST, VAT and CST reflects the Punjab Government's comprehensive approach towards strengthening revenue mobilisation across all major tax streams through improved monitoring, better compliance and effective administrative measures.
Highlighting the department's intensified enforcement activities, the Finance Minister disclosed that the Excise and Taxation Department imposed penalties amounting to ₹111.12 crore during October 2026 through sustained enforcement action against tax evasion, irregular transportation of goods, fake billing and other violations of GST provisions.
He said that the State Intelligence and Preventive Units (SIPUs), mobile wings and field formations have intensified intelligence-based road checking, inspections and scrutiny of suspicious transactions. "Special emphasis is being placed on detecting fraudulent Input Tax Credit (ITC), misuse of e-way bills and transportation of goods without genuine underlying business transactions", said Cheema.
Referring to the major GST fraud network uncovered in connection with Balaji Transport Company, Ludhiana, the Finance Minister disclosed that the department has recovered ₹20 crore in tax in connection with the case.
Cheema said that the investigation had earlier revealed a suspected multi-state GST fraud network involving approximately 62 interconnected firms, with suspected tax evasion exceeding ₹400 crore. He said, "The network allegedly facilitated the movement of unaccounted goods through non-genuine invoices and e-way bills, including transactions in which the purported consignees denied having placed orders or received the declared supplies."
The Finance Minister further revealed that subsequent detailed analysis of e-way bill transactions and further verification uncovered the suspected involvement of four additional transporters operating through the same network of consignor and consignee firms.
He said that these transporters were allegedly adopting the same fraudulent modus operandi by facilitating movement of goods using e-way bills without genuine underlying transactions and corresponding tax compliance. Following further verification, four more transporters have been booked in connection with the same fraud case, expanding the scope of the ongoing investigation.
Commenting on Punjab's revenue performance, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, "Punjab's SGST cash collection has registered remarkable growth of 28 per cent during October, against the national SGST growth of approximately 14 per cent. This encouraging performance, along with the crossing of the ₹1,000 crore SGST cash collection milestone for the second time this year, demonstrates the effectiveness of our government's sustained efforts to improve tax compliance and strengthen revenue administration."
He further stated, "Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab continues to strengthen its financial position through transparent administration, technology-driven tax monitoring and firm action against tax evasion. The State's cumulative gross GST revenue growth of over 16 per cent during the first seven months of the financial year, against national growth of around 13 per cent, demonstrates the positive results of these efforts."
Reiterating the State Government's firm stand against tax evasion, Cheema said, "The penalties of ₹111.12 crore imposed during October and recovery of ₹20 crore in the Balaji Transport fraud case demonstrate that the government will not allow organised tax evasion networks to cause losses to the public exchequer. Our enforcement strategy is focused on identifying the real beneficiaries of fraudulent transactions and dismantling entire networks rather than merely detecting isolated violations."
Appreciating the contribution of honest taxpayers and the efforts of departmental officers, the Finance Minister said that the Punjab Government remains committed to providing a transparent and business-friendly environment for genuine taxpayers while maintaining zero tolerance towards fake billing, fraudulent ITC claims and organised tax evasion.
He added that sustained growth in tax collections would further strengthen Punjab's financial capacity to fund public welfare programmes, infrastructure development, healthcare, education and other essential services for the people of the State.
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