Chandigarh, March 23 -- Punjab finance, planning, excise and taxation minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday said the state's excise revenue has seen an "unprecedented" cumulative growth over the past three years, rising from Rs.6,254 crore to over Rs.10,200 crore.

"For the first time in Punjab's history, the excise revenue will surpass the five-digit mark with the target of Rs.10,145 crore for the financial year 2024-25," he said.

He said the department has received overwhelming response in its ongoing e-tender process for the allotment of retail liquor licences for the fiscal year 2025-26. He said a reserve price of Rs.9,017 crore was set up for 207 retail liquor groups. As of March 20, 179 of these groups, accounting for 87% of the...