Chandigarh, Aug. 2 -- Punjab finance, excise and taxation minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced on Saturday that the state has achieved a robust 20% growth in its gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue during the first four months of the current financial year. Backed by improved tax compliance and technology-driven administration, total collections scaled to Rs.10,447.9 crore, up from Rs.8,708.48 crore recorded during the corresponding period last year, he said. Cheema said: "For July 2026 alone, the state registered a gross GST collection of Rs.2,614.45 crore, reflecting an 8.31% year-on-year increase alongside a national high SGST cash growth exceeding 16.23%, backed by severe crackdowns on bogus billing networks and strict recovery of legacy tax arrears." "During July 2026, Punjab recorded a gross GST collection of Rs.2,614.45 crore, as against Rs.2,413.91 crore during July 2025, registering an increase of Rs.200.54 crore (8.31%)," the monster said. A significant highlight of the month's performance has been the growth in SGST cash collection, which increased from Rs.815.84 crore in July 2025 to Rs.948.29 crore in July 2026, registering an increase of Rs.132.45 crore (16.23%), Cheema said. Highlighting the growth in SGST, the finance minister said: "Punjab has recorded SGST cash growth of more than 16.23%, amongst the highest in the country. The increase in SGST cash receipts is a key indicator of improved voluntary compliance and actual tax payments by businesses operating in the state." During April-July 2026, Punjab recorded a gross GST collection of Rs.10,447.9 crore, as against Rs.8,708.48 crore during the corresponding period last year , registering an increase of Rs.1,739.42 crore (20%)," he said....