Punjab Tax Department Intensifies Crackdown on Pre-GST Arrears with Major Property Attachments
In a significant enforcement drive, the Punjab taxation department has attached a total of 136 properties with a combined value exceeding Rs 91 crore. This aggressive action is part of the state government's ongoing campaign to recover long-pending pre-GST arrears from defaulters.
Finance Minister Issues Stern Warning to Defaulters
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasized that while the state government has introduced a generous one-time settlement policy to help traders clear their legacy dues, strong enforcement measures are being rigorously implemented against persistent defaulters. "Wilful tax evasion will not be tolerated under any circumstances," Cheema declared firmly.
The minister stated that the attachment of these 136 properties serves as a clear message that the taxation department is relentlessly pursuing major defaulters across the state. He urged all concerned traders to immediately take advantage of the settlement policy to resolve their pending dues and prevent their properties from facing imminent auction proceedings.
Detailed Breakdown of Property Attachments and Recovery Efforts
The department's enforcement actions have yielded substantial results across multiple jurisdictions. The attached properties include 78 properties valued at Rs 50.5 crore located within primary districts, along with another 58 properties worth Rs 40.5 crore situated in other districts, states, or union territories.
Recovery efforts have already begun showing tangible outcomes. Some properties have been successfully auctioned, resulting in a recovery of Rs 15.2 crore for the state exchequer. Furthermore, permission has been granted to sell 35 additional properties valued at Rs 33.7 crore.
Of these approved cases, final auction dates have been established for 21 properties with a combined worth of Rs 13.6 crore. District authorities have independently initiated auction proceedings for another 15 properties valued at Rs 16.4 crore, with formal sale permissions currently being processed.
Cross-Jurisdictional Recovery Mechanisms Strengthened
To ensure comprehensive recovery across different jurisdictions, recovery certificates have been issued and are actively pending at the level of concerned Deputy Commissioners for 24 properties amounting to Rs 10.61 crore. This systematic approach is creating mounting pressure on defaulters.
The enforcement actions are producing measurable results, as several licensees and sureties have begun actively depositing their arrear amounts to prevent the impending auction of their assets. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the department's dual strategy of offering settlement options while maintaining strict enforcement against non-compliance.
The Punjab government's approach balances facilitation through the settlement policy with determined enforcement against those who continue to evade their tax obligations, ensuring both revenue recovery and compliance across the state's business community.
