The Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has approved the Excise Policy for 2025-26.
This policy aims to generate excise revenue of Rs. 11,020 crores in the financial year 2025-26, reflecting an increase of Rs. 874.05 crores (8.61%) compared to the previous year’s target.
This decision was taken during a meeting of the Council of Ministers, chaired by the Chief Minister at his official residence.
A spokesperson from the Chief Minister’s Office revealed that, against the target of Rs. 10,145 crore set for the Excise Policy 2024-25, the state government has already collected Rs. 10,200 crore.
The excise collection has been steadily rising under the current administration, surpassing Rs. 10,000 crores for the first time. Notably, excise revenue in the final year of the SAD-BJP alliance stood at Rs. 4,405 crore, while in the last year of Congress governance, it was Rs. 6,254 crore.
The new policy outlines fresh allotment of L-2/L-14A vends for 2025-26 through e-tendering, ensuring balanced retail trade and broader participation. The group size for the year is set at Rs. 40 crores.
Additionally, to enhance revenue and ensure ample availability of country liquor, the quota for Punjab Medium Liquor in 2025-26 has been set at 8.534 crore proof litres, marking a 3% increase from the previous year.
There will be no hike in country liquor prices for 2025-26. As a relief measure for the defence forces, the wholesale license fee has been reduced by 50%, from Rs. 5 lakhs to Rs. 2.5 lakhs.
To boost tourism, the possession limit for farm stay license holders has been raised from 12 to 36 quarts of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), alongside an increase in the allowed quantity of beer, wine, gin, vodka, brandy, RTD, and other liquor products.
Additionally, each retail licensee in Municipal Corporation areas will be required to establish a Model Shop to enhance consumer experience.
Standalone beer shop fees have been reduced from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 25,000 per shop. New bottling plants will be permitted to encourage investment in Punjab.
Furthermore, the Cow Welfare Fee has been increased by 50%, from Rs. 1 per PL to Rs. 1.5 per PL, raising the total collection from Rs. 16 crores to Rs. 24 crores.
To bolster enforcement, plans are in place to establish Excise Police Stations in the upcoming financial year. Additionally, to streamline business operations, the approval process for liquor brands with unchanged EDP will be automated through the e-Abkari portal.
Cabinet Approvals:
Formation of "Punjab Tirth Yatra Samiti"
The Cabinet has sanctioned the formation of "Punjab Tirth Yatra Samiti" to facilitate convenient pilgrimages for Punjab residents via air, rail, or road under the Mukh Mantri Tirth Yatra Scheme.
Launched in 2023-24, this scheme has enabled approximately 34,000 pilgrims to visit religious sites via trains and buses. The newly constituted Samiti will ensure smooth and efficient travel arrangements under this initiative.
PICTC as the Sole Provider of Digital Signatures
The Punjab Cabinet has designated Punjab Information & Communication Technology Corporation Ltd. (PICTC) as the exclusive provider of digital signatures for government departments and organizations.
Additionally, PICTC will be responsible for IT and ITeG procurement, as per the Punjab Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 2019.
The Cabinet has also formalized the division of responsibilities between the Department of Good Governance and Information Technology (formerly the Department of Governance Reforms) and Punjab Infotech.
These measures are expected to enhance governance, streamline procurement, and drive digital transformation in public services.
Adoption of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024
The Cabinet has approved the adoption of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024, enacted by the Parliament of India.
This Act replaces criminal liability with financial penalties, ensuring that violations are addressed through monetary penalties imposed by an Adjudicating Officer.
By decriminalizing minor offenses, the Act aims to foster trust-based governance and ease compliance for businesses and individuals alike.
Amendments to Punjab Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Rules, 2025
To improve the registration process for births and deaths, the Cabinet has approved amendments to the Punjab Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Rules, 2025.
These changes align with the Central Government’s 2023 amendments to the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, and are based on the Model Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Rules, 2024.
This uniform approach will significantly benefit the public by streamlining the registration process.
Approval of Punjab State Commission for NRI’s Annual Administrative Report
The Cabinet has given its consent to the Annual Administrative Report, along with the audit report, of the Punjab State Commission for NRI’s for the financial year 2022-23.
Creation of OSD (Litigation) Post
The Cabinet has also approved the establishment of a temporary post of Officer on Special Duty (Litigation) within the Department of Personnel.
