To instill transparency and accountability within the government machinery, Punjab Finance, Excise, and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday conducted a surprise inspection of the Excise and Taxation Department’s headquarters in Patiala. The inspection, aimed at checking inefficiencies and irregularities, took many by surprise, especially as it came shortly after lunch hours.
Accompanied by Excise Commissioner Jatinder Jorwal, Cheema personally visited multiple branches within the office, scrutinizing files, reviewing the pace of official work, and verifying the attendance records of employees. He expressed grave concern over unjustified delays in the disposal of files, warning that “even small delays amount to a form of corruption”.
During the inspection, officials seized key documents and compiled a list of pending files that will now undergo further scrutiny. Cheema emphasized the urgent need for time-bound governance, stating that intentional stalling of files would not be tolerated under any circumstances. “Every officer has the right to present facts — whether favourable or not — but delaying action without justification is unacceptable,” he asserted.
The Finance Minister also evaluated the department’s e-office system, underscoring the need to fully digitize processes to enhance efficiency and curb red tape. He issued immediate instructions for action against staff found absent without recording their movement in the official register, and those found leaving the premises without due authorization.
Cheema, addressing the media after the inspection, reinforced the government’s commitment to clean and transparent governance. “Those who deliberately delay work are as culpable as those involved in corruption. Under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership, we are building an administration rooted in honesty, efficiency, and accountability,” he said.
Responding to a media query, Cheema also revealed that the Department is actively cracking down on heavy commercial vehicles involved in GST evasion and other tax frauds on highways, with more enforcement drives in the pipeline.