Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday hailed the “Bill Liao Inam Pao” scheme as a major success in boosting citizen engagement and tax transparency. Launched in September 2023 to promote responsible consumer habits and strengthen tax compliance, the scheme has drawn strong public participation, with 1,76,832 bills uploaded on the ‘Mera Bill’ app up to July 2025. This has led to 5,644 winners receiving prizes worth ₹3,35,80,215.
According to a press statement, Minister Harpal said the initiative’s focus on encouraging citizens to demand bills has significantly strengthened tax enforcement, resulting in penalties of ₹9,07,06,102 against offenders, of which ₹7,30,92,230 has already been recovered. The scheme has also widened the tax base, bringing in 135 new registrations.
Sharing details of the July 2025 lucky draw, held on August 7 at the department’s Patiala head office, Minister Harpal said 6,345 bills were uploaded that month, producing 257 winners who shared ₹15,30,015 in prize money. He noted that winnings are directly transferred to bank accounts upon submission of details and urged winners to provide the required information promptly.
Appealing for continued public participation, Minister Harpal urged residents to demand bills for every purchase, stressing that each uploaded bill not only offers a chance to win but also strengthens the fight against tax evasion. He clarified that bills for petroleum products, liquor, out-of-state purchases, and B2B transactions are ineligible, and only purchases from the previous month are considered for each draw.
Minister Harpal said the scheme exemplifies citizen-driven governance, rewarding vigilant consumers while tightening tax enforcement, and reflects the AAP-led Punjab government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and public participation in fiscal governance.