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Bengaluru, Dec. 3: Karnataka has reported strong revenue growth, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reviewing the performance of key departments, including Commercial Taxes, Excise, Stamps and Registration, and Mines and Geology, at a high-level meeting.

The review underscored Karnataka’s strong economic growth and superior revenue performance, particularly in GST collections, which surpassed national averages. 

The Commercial Taxes Department reported revenue collection of Rs. 53,103 crore by November 2024, achieving 94% of the year-to-date target of Rs. 56,317 crore. 

With an annual target of Rs. 84,475 crore for 2024-25, the Chief Minister urged officials to focus on underperforming regions such as Malenadu and Mysuru to meet targets. GST collections grew by 15%, with Karnataka contributing Rs. 13,722 crore, placing the state second nationally in GST collections. 

The Excise Department collected Rs. 23,600 crore, amounting to 61.26% of its annual target of Rs. 38,525 crore for 2024-25. Revenue increased by Rs. 1,432 crore, reflecting a 6.46% growth compared to the previous year. 

Measures to streamline operations and fill vacant Group C posts are being implemented to enhance performance. 

The Stamps and Registration Department recorded revenues of Rs. 15,161 crore, achieving 58% of its annual target of Rs. 26,000 crore. Compared to the previous year, revenue grew by 21%, driven by measures to curb illegal registrations and include unassessed properties in the tax net. 

The Mines and Geology Department reported revenue collections of Rs. 4,862 crore by November, against an annual target of Rs. 9,000 crore, reflecting a 10% year-on-year growth. 

Discussions focused on streamlining mineral tax policies and optimizing revenues from minor minerals. 

The Chief Minister emphasized the need for intensified efforts to meet annual targets. 

He directed officials to strengthen vigilance to curb tax evasion, launch special drives in the Commercial Tax and Excise Departments, resolve pending GST applications to accelerate revenue realization, and streamline e-Khata processes in the Stamps and Registration Department. 

Officials were instructed to implement these measures promptly to sustain Karnataka’s revenue growth trajectory.