‘Bill Liayo Inam Pao’ Scheme: 3592 Winners Rewarded with Prizes More Than Rs. 2 Crore for Promoting Tax Compliance

Punjab News: Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday announced the remarkable success of the “Bill Liayo Inam Pao” scheme, which has rewarded 3,592 winners with prizes worth Rs. 2,11,42,495 for uploading their purchase bills on the ‘Mera Bill’ app till December 2024.

In a press communiqué issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this innovative scheme, launched in September 2023, aimed to promote tax compliance and reward honest taxpayers, has successfully encouraged consumers to upload 1,27,509 bills since its inception. He said that the prizes worth Rs. 1,59,93,965 have already been distributed to 2,752 winners. “247 winners, winning prizes worth Rs 15,02,010, have been declared for the month of November 2024”, he added.

Highlighting the significant impact of the scheme in curbing tax evasion and increasing revenue for the state, Finance Minister Cheema lauded the scheme for its effectiveness in promoting transparency and accountability in tax collection. He emphasized that the initiative has not only incentivized consumers to participate actively in the tax system but has also played a crucial role in identifying and penalizing irregularities. “A fine of Rs 8,21,87,862 has been imposed against 749 bills found with discrepancies, showcasing the government’s commitment to ensuring tax compliance and fairness”, said Cheema.

The Finance Minister said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has implemented several progressive measures to enhance revenue generation and ensure the efficient utilization of public funds. “This scheme is a shining example of the government’s proactive approach to governance and its unwavering commitment to the welfare of its citizens”, he added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the bills related to the sale and purchase of petroleum products, including crude oil, petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, and natural gas, as well as Business-to-Business (B2B) transactions, are excluded from participating in this scheme.