Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday unveiled the significant strides made under the ‘Bill Liyao Inam Pao’ scheme, announcing a hefty penalty of over Rs five crore imposed on vendors for issuing invalid bills. Out of this sum, an impressive Rs 4.01 crore has already been recovered, marking a substantial achievement in bolstering tax compliance and transparency across the state.
Lauding the success of the initiative, Cheema revealed that 1,403 individuals have been rewarded with prizes totaling Rs 56.58 lakh for their active participation in the scheme. Since its inception on August 21, 2023, by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the scheme has garnered widespread support, encouraging consumers to upload their purchase bills through the ‘Mera Bill App’.
Highlighting the scheme's impact, Cheema disclosed that out of 65,443 bills uploaded to the app, 1,512 notices were issued to vendors for billing discrepancies. Impressively, 642 of these notices have already been resolved, showcasing the scheme's efficacy in enhancing tax revenue systems and fostering public engagement.
Emphasizing the instrumental role of the public, Cheema underscored the active participation of citizens in driving tax compliance. Additionally, the 'Mera Bill App' has facilitated 108 new GST registrations, signaling a positive trend towards improved tax adherence.
He reiterated the scheme's significance in curbing tax evasion and urged Punjab residents to continue their involvement. He encouraged citizens to retain their purchase bills, as this not only supports the state's tax infrastructure but also offers them the opportunity to win monthly prizes of up to Rs 10,000.
Clarifying the scheme's parameters, Cheema outlined that bills for petroleum products, liquor, out-of-state purchases, and B2B transactions are ineligible. Moreover, only bills for purchases made within the last month are considered for the draw, ensuring fairness and efficacy in the scheme's implementation.