Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday praised the State Excise and Taxation Department for the significant rise in Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections. In December 2023, State's gross GST collection reached Rs 8130 crore, a remarkable 22% jump compared to Rs 6,678 crore in December 2022. While India's overall GST revenue for December 2023 hit Rs 1,64,822 crore, representing a 10.3% year-on-year increase, the State's performance surpassed the national average, he added.

Khattar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that this robust growth outstrips the national average significantly, highlighting the effectiveness of State's economic policies and tax administration. The neighboring states also experienced positive growth: Himachal Pradesh (5%), Punjab (8%), Delhi (16%), and Jammu and Kashmir (20%).

The Chief Minister further said that the department's stellar performance in December, emphasizing its role in bolstering the state's economic stability. The surge in GST collection not only mirrors State's economic advancement but also signifies promising prospects for its overall development. He expressed optimism for sustained growth, aiming to elevate Haryana's economic and financial stature.

Additionally, the Excise and Taxation Department has realized 80% of the total budget target for the fiscal year 2023-24 within the initial three quarters, underscoring its efficiency. With a total budget estimate of Rs 57,931 crore for the year, the department had garnered Rs 46,349 crore by December 31, 2023, across various categories. It is worth noting that Haryana consistently ranks among the top five states in GST collections and exhibited the highest growth rate among major states in November 2023.