Centre data says Punjab mop-up down 10%; state claims 12.3% jump

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Thursday tweeted the national data figures that showed Punjab had recorded Rs 1,669 crore in GST collection compared to Rs 1,856 crore last year

VAT collection of the state has shown decrease of 22.77 per cent, from Rs 5806.33 crore in 2021-22 (April-November) to Rs 4484.38 crore in 2022-23. (Representational/File)

The GST collection figures have pitted Punjab and Centre at the opposite ends with Union government stating that mop up by Punjab has decreased by 10 per cent in November this year compared to last year, while state government released data claiming an increase of 12.32 per cent.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Thursday tweeted the national data figures that showed Punjab had recorded Rs 1,669 crore in GST collection compared to Rs 1,856 crore last year. However, the data released by the Punjab government officials in the evening showed that Punjab had recorded an increase of 12.32 per cent. “It is Rs 1412.15 crore in November thus year as against Rs 1257.32 crore in November last year,” an official said. The official said the GST collection registered 24.5 per cent increase from Rs 9612.6 crore (April-November 2021) to Rs 11967.76 crore (April- November 2022).

Excise collection has shown increase of 33.44 per cent from Rs 3984.06 crore (April to November 2021) to Rs 5316.45 crore (April to November 2022). Last year in November, the excise collection was Rs 535 crore while this year it is Rs 603 crore.

VAT collection of the state has shown decrease of 22.77 per cent, from Rs 5806.33 crore in 2021-22 (April-November) to Rs 4484.38 crore in 2022-23. Decline in the revenue on account of VAT is attributed to the change in the rate of tax on petrol and diesel. Earlier, the rate of tax on petrol was 24.79 per cent + 10 per cent surcharge i.e 27.27 per cent VAT +Rs. 2.05 per litre ID Cess + Rs. 0.10 per litre. Punjab Urban Transport Cess and on Diesel was 15.93 per cent + 10 per cent surcharge i.e 17.53 per cent VAT+ Rs. 1.05 per litre ID Cess + Rs. 0.10 per litre Punjab Urban Transport Cess which came down to 13.77 per cent or Rs 12.50/ litre whichever is greater + Rs. 2.05 per litre ID Cess + Rs. 0.10 per litre Punjab Urban Transport Cess and 9.92 per cent or Rs.8.24/litre whichever is greater + Rs. 1.05 per litre ID Cess + Rs. 0.10 per litre Punjab Urban Transport Cess, respectively.

The official said that the Centre was trying to show the state in the poor light. An analysis of the data released by the state, however, showed that the collections had reduced in November compared to October. While in October the GST collection was Rs 1648.81 crore, it came down to Rs 1412.15 crore in November.

The official, however, said that this decrease was a constant feature every year as October is a month of festivals and the state recorded enhanced GST as the residents made purchases due to festival season. In November, there was always a “dip” in sale and hence in collections.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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Goods and Services tax (GST)

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