In a significant step to curb tax evasion, CM Bhagwant Mann and the Punjab government have announced the expansion of the popular ‘Bill Lao, Inam Pao’ campaign. Under the new initiative, quarterly bumper draws will be introduced to encourage citizens to participate actively and ensure compliance.
Quarterly Prizes to Boost Participation
The scheme now includes three major cash prizes every quarter:
- First Prize: ₹1,00,000
- Second Prize: ₹50,000
- Third Prize: ₹25,000
Officials have stated that this initiative aims to foster transparency in tax compliance while motivating residents to submit bills from various services and purchases. CM Mann emphasized that the government remains committed to creating an inclusive and accountable system where citizens are rewarded for responsible consumption.
How the Scheme Works
Under the scheme, citizens are encouraged to upload bills through the dedicated ‘Mera Bill’ app, covering services such as restaurants, salons, and boutiques. Each bill submitted becomes eligible for the quarterly draw, and all submissions are verified strictly by the tax department to prevent fraud.
The scheme excludes certain categories like petroleum products, alcohol, out-of-state purchases, and B2B transactions, ensuring fairness and integrity in the prize draws. Only bills from the previous month are considered eligible for the draws.
Promoting Responsible Consumerism
CM Mann highlighted that the ‘Bill Lao, Inam Pao’ initiative is part of the state government’s broader vision to promote responsible consumer behavior and financial transparency. Since its inception in September 2023, the scheme has successfully encouraged over 30,000 bill uploads, leading to winners receiving more than ₹78 lakh in prizes.
With the introduction of quarterly bumper prizes, the government aims to further incentivize citizens to participate actively, ensuring that tax compliance becomes a rewarding habit across Punjab.
Government Commitment to Transparency
The Punjab government has reiterated its commitment to empowering citizens through innovative governance. By combining transparency, inclusivity, and rewards, the scheme not only promotes compliance but also strengthens the bond between the government and the public.
CM Mann urged all residents of Punjab to actively participate and make the most of the ‘Bill Lao, Inam Pao’ initiative, emphasizing that responsible consumerism contributes to the overall development of the state.
