As the Congress govt prepares for significant funding needed to support welfare schemes in the 2025-26 budget, officials are actively exploring additional revenue sources, including cracking down on tax evasion. A key focus is the mining sector, where the govt aims to recover around 5,000 crore by identifying and targeting defaulters.
Sources indicate that the govt is also particularly focused on increasing revenue from commercial and sales tax defaulters, which could bring in an estimated 4,000 crore for the fiscal year.
“Nearly 250 companies involved in mining and related activities have already been identified, and notices have been sent out. The total amount owed could range between 5,000 crore and 6,000 crore. There is also a proposal to increase penalties five to six times as part of a one-time settlement, similar to the recent offer extended to property tax payers,” sources said.
The govt also expects to generate an additional 3,000 crore from increased beer prices in the upcoming financial year. “By scrutinising every department for extra income, the govt is already generating about 2 crore daily from measures in sand mining, and similar initiatives are being explored,” high-level sources said.
Another significant revenue stream comes from the utilisation of central funds, with the govt ensuring timely submission of utilisation certificates for various schemes—a notable departure from the previous BRS govt’s tenure, when there were conflicts over these submissions. “Officials have been instructed to tap into every available centrally-sponsored scheme to boost revenue,” a source said.
A major potential source of income is the sale of land parcels, expected to generate between 20,000 crore and 40,000 crore. While the land market remains slow, the govt is actively pursuing this option to meet fiscal needs, sources said. With employee dues, Pay Revision Commission payments, and essential allocations for loan repayments, salaries, and pensions, additional funds are necessary to cover these obligations, an official said.
Source #TOI
