Punjab Cabinet likely to approve excise policy today

Chandigarh: The Punjab Cabinet is expected to approve the state’s excise policy on Saturday. The Punjab government is eager to finalize the new excise policy (2024-25) before the model code of conduct potentially takes effect for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The cabinet meeting will convene at the chief minister’s residence at 11 am tomorrow, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and is also expected to ratify the labor, cartage, and transportation policy.

According to details, the excise policy aims to generate a revenue of Rs 10,350 crore for the state. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has previously announced plans to garner over Rs 10,000 crore in revenue from the excise policy during the ongoing budget session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

The Excise Policy, drafted by the Punjab Government, awaits approval from the Cabinet after discussions among a group of ministers, including Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, Power Minister Harbhajan ETO, and Revenue Minister Brahm Shankar Jimpa.

The excise department will commence liquor vend allotment after Cabinet approval, aiming to complete the process before the start of the new financial year.