The Punjab government’s ‘Bill Layo Inam Pao’ scheme, initiated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on August 21, 2023, has made significant strides in promoting tax compliance and transparency within the state. The Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister of Punjab, Harpal Singh Cheema, recently announced the scheme’s success in a press statement, highlighting the overwhelming response from consumers and the positive impact on tax compliance.
The ‘Bill Layo Inam Pao’ scheme encourages consumers to upload their purchase bills through the ‘Mera Bill App’. Since its launch, the scheme has received an enthusiastic response from the public, with 91,719 bills uploaded by buyers. This initiative has not only fostered a culture of tax compliance but has also rewarded participants, with 2,353 winners receiving prizes worth Rs 1.37 crore to date.
Minister Cheema emphasized the scheme’s role in identifying and penalizing vendors issuing invalid bills. As a result of the bills submitted through the scheme, fines amounting to Rs 7.63 crore have been imposed, with Rs 5.87 crore already recovered. This rigorous enforcement has led to substantial progress in curbing billing irregularities. Out of 1,604 notices issued to taxpayers for such irregularities, 711 have been resolved. Furthermore, the scheme has driven 123 new GST registrations, indicating a marked improvement in tax compliance.
The finance minister urged residents to continue participating in the scheme, which offers a monthly reward of up to Rs 10,000 for retaining and uploading their purchase bills. He clarified that certain bills, including those for petroleum products, liquor, out-of-state purchases, and business-to-business transactions, are ineligible under the scheme. Additionally, to ensure fairness and effectiveness, only bills from the previous month are considered during the prize draw.
Minister Cheema highlighted the scheme’s role in enhancing tax compliance and transparency in Punjab. He noted that the enforcement activities carried out by the tax department have been instrumental in promoting these values. By encouraging consumers to upload their bills on the ‘Mera Bill’ mobile app, the scheme is strengthening the tax structure in the state, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and compliance.
The ‘Bill Layo Inam Pao’ scheme has proven to be a significant step towards creating a more transparent and accountable tax environment in Punjab. The initiative’s success is evident in the high number of bills uploaded, the substantial fines imposed and recovered, and the increase in GST registrations. The Finance Minister’s call for continued participation underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing tax compliance in the state.
This scheme is not just about encouraging consumers to retain and upload their purchase bills; it is about creating a systemic change in the way tax compliance is perceived and practiced in Punjab. By offering tangible rewards and taking stringent actions against non-compliance, the ‘Bill Layo Inam Pao’ scheme is setting a new standard for tax accountability in the state. As the scheme continues to gain momentum, it is poised to make a lasting impact on Punjab’s tax landscape, benefiting both the government and the citizens.
