Punjab's "Bill Liao Inam Pao" scheme rewards thousands, boosts fight against tax evasion

Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], August 10 (ANI): Punjab's ambitious "Bill Liao Inam Pao" scheme has delivered remarkable results, rewarding thousands of consumers while boosting the state's fight against tax evasion.
According to a release announcing the achievements on Sunday, Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the initiative has awarded prizes worth Rs 3,35,80,215 to 5,644 winners since its launch in September 2023.
A total of 1,76,832 bills have been uploaded on the 'Mera Bill' app between September 2023 and July 2025. The scheme, designed to encourage consumers to demand bills for purchases, has seen overwhelming participation, reflecting a growing awareness about tax compliance among citizens. Cheema revealed that the heightened vigilance has led to penalties worth Rs 9,07,06,102 against businesses found violating bill issuance norms, of which Rs 7,30,92,230 has already been recovered. The scheme has also expanded Punjab's tax base by facilitating 135 new registrations, marking a notable step in broadening the state's fiscal network.
The latest draw, conducted on August 7 at the department's Patiala head office, covered bills uploaded in July 2025. Out of 6,345 eligible bills, 257 winners were selected, collectively receiving Rs 15,30,015 in prize money. The minister assured that prize amounts are promptly transferred to winners' bank accounts once details are submitted and urged winners to provide their account information without delay.
Cheema clarified that certain transactions are excluded from the scheme, including bills for petroleum products such as crude oil, petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, and natural gas, liquor purchases, out-of-state purchases, and B2B transactions. Only bills from the preceding month are considered for each draw to ensure fairness.
Appealing to the public for continued participation, the minister said that every bill uploaded not only offers a chance to win but also strengthens the state's fight against tax evasion. "This initiative is proof that citizen-driven governance can deliver stronger fiscal accountability. It rewards vigilant consumers while compelling businesses to follow the rules," Cheema said. (ANI)