PUNJAB’S “BILL LIAO INAM PAO” SCHEME OVER ₹3.3 CRORE IN PRIZES AWARDED: HARPAL CHEEMA
-SCHEME LEADS TO ₹9.07 CRORE IN PENALTIES, 135 NEW REGISTRATIONS
-257 WINNERS RECEIVE ₹15,30,015 IN JULY 2025 DRAW
Chandigarh, August 10
Punjab’s Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced on Sunday the resounding success of the state’s flagship “Bill Liao Inam Pao” scheme, aimed at promoting tax transparency and responsible consumer behavior. Since its launch in September 2023, the initiative has seen enthusiastic participation, with 1,76,832 bills uploaded via the ‘Mera Bill’ app by July 2025, resulting in 5,644 winners receiving prizes totaling ₹3,35,80,215.
In a press statement, Cheema highlighted the scheme’s significant impact on tax enforcement, with penalties of ₹9,07,06,102 imposed on entities found violating bill issuance norms. Of this, ₹7,30,92,230 has been recovered, marking a major step toward fiscal accountability. Additionally, the scheme has expanded the tax base by facilitating 135 new registrations.
Sharing details of the July 2025 lucky draw held on August 7 at the department’s head office in Patiala, Cheema noted that 6,345 bills uploaded in July led to 257 winners receiving ₹15,30,015 in prizes. The department ensures prompt transfer of prize money to winners’ bank accounts upon submission of required details, such as account numbers. Cheema urged winners to provide their information promptly and reaffirmed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab Government’s commitment to transparency and efficiency.
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Encouraging continued participation, Cheema appealed to Punjab’s residents to demand bills for purchases, emphasizing that each uploaded bill not only offers a chance to win but also strengthens efforts to curb tax evasion and foster compliance.
He clarified that bills for petroleum products (crude oil, petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, and natural gas), liquor, out-of-state purchases, and B2B transactions are ineligible for the scheme. Only bills from the previous month qualify for the draw, ensuring fairness and effectiveness.
Cheema stated that the scheme’s success reflects the power of citizen-driven governance and the AAP-led Punjab Government’s dedication to building a transparent and participatory fiscal ecosystem. The initiative not only rewards vigilant consumers but also strengthens tax enforcement mechanisms.
