Chandigarh, July 19 -- The Patiala goods and services tax division has recorded an impressive 40% growth rate in GST collection during the first quarter of the 2025-26 fiscal year, outpacing all other divisions in Punjab, said excise and taxation minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday. The minister, who held a quarterly review meeting of the department, said the Patiala division was followed by Ropar division with 34.97% and Amritsar division with 30.26%. Ludhiana division registered the highest gross GST collection across the state, bringing in Rs.1,998.76 crore. In the first quarter, Ropar division collected Rs.1,315.66 crore, Amritsar division Rs.687.19 crore and Patiala division Rs.679 crore. He said the department had also met its excise revenue targets, bolstered by intensified enforcement efforts that have effectively curbed the illicit liquor trade. During the meeting, Cheema also reviewed the status of GST and VAT arrears, encouraging department officers to adopt innovative strategies for their recovery. The performance of the enforcement wings of both the excise and taxation departments was also thoroughly reviewed....