Chandigarh – In a significant push for citizen participation and tax transparency, Punjab’s Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced the resounding success of the state’s flagship “Bill Liao Inam Pao” scheme.
The initiative, launched in September 2023 to promote responsible consumer behaviour and strengthen tax compliance, has seen overwhelming public engagement. As of July 2025, citizens have uploaded a total of 1,76,832 bills on the ‘Mera Bill’ app. This enthusiasm has translated into 5,644 winners collectively receiving ₹3,35,80,215 in prizes since the scheme’s inception.
Minister Cheema highlighted that the scheme’s emphasis on encouraging citizens to demand bills has significantly improved tax enforcement. Penalties worth ₹9,07,06,102 have been imposed on entities found guilty of irregularities in bill issuance, of which ₹7,30,92,230 has already been recovered. Additionally, the initiative has contributed to the state’s tax base expansion with 135 new registrations.
The latest monthly draw, held on August 7, 2025, at the department’s Patiala head office, featured 6,345 bills uploaded in July. A total of 257 winners were selected, sharing ₹15,30,015 in prize money. The department ensures that winnings are promptly transferred to bank accounts upon receipt of the required account details, and Minister Cheema urged winners to submit their information without delay.
Reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment to transparency and efficiency under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership, Cheema appealed to the public to keep participating actively. He noted that every bill uploaded not only offers citizens a chance to win but also directly aids the state in tackling tax evasion and fostering a culture of compliance.
Cheema clarified that bills related to petroleum products (including crude oil, petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, and natural gas), liquor, out-of-state purchases, and B2B transactions are excluded from the scheme. Only bills from purchases made in the preceding month are considered for each draw, ensuring fairness and operational integrity.
Emphasising the dual benefit of the programme, the Finance Minister said the scheme not only rewards vigilant consumers but also reinforces Punjab’s tax enforcement system, standing as a testament to the power of citizen-driven governance.
