Making an attempt to end the ‘inspector raj’ system in the State aimed at checking traders’ harassment, Punjab Government on Thursday launched ‘Rahat Scheme’ for them across the State under which the traders may opt for lump-sum tax.
Giving a big relief to the traders, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal unveiled the scheme at a traders’ rally from the Malwa region at Maur Mandi in Bathinda district. “It is an attempt to provide suitable and congenial atmosphere to traders where they can run their business activities without any fear and hassle…We believe in freedom of doing business activities that let the traders do what they can do the best,” said Sukhbir.
The new scheme has been launched for 74 cities and towns in which 24 cities falls in tier-I and remaining in tier-II and tier-III. Under this scheme, traders may opt for lump-sum tax ranges from Rs 0-25 lakh to Rs 1 crore business. Any trader who have turnover between Rs 0-25 lakh would have to deposit Rs 5,000 as lump-sum tax where as from Rs 25-Rs 50 lakh, it would be Rs 10,000. Besides, from the range of Rs 50 lakh to Rs 75 lakh, the lump-sum tax have to be paid Rs 15,000 and for Rs 1 crore turnover, it would be Rs 20,000.
Sukhbir also announced that to end red-tapism and ‘inspector raj’ in the State, “officials of Excise and Taxation Department would not be entitled to inspect records or shops of traders registered under the new Rahat Scheme”. “If any kind of irregularity noticed by any dealer, then commissioner could allow the inspection of concerned trader…The main aim behind the new scheme is to simplify the procedure of trade and business in the state,” he added.
A helpline number — 1800-2582580, and an e-mail id — rahatscheme2014@gmail.com, have also been launched for traders to file their complaint in this regard. On the fall in revenue due to new policy, Sukhbir clarified that it would give a big push to revenue receipts of the State as more and more dealers would come forward to register themselves under new scheme as nearly 80 per cent dealers were not paying the single penny as a VAT to the State.
Talking about the success of VAT refund fund scheme, he said that in one month, VAT refund fell to Rs 350 crore from Rs 450 crore. To give relaxation to other units on the lines of iron and steel industry, Sukhbir said that “I am open to any suggestion put forth by the other industrialists”.