Giving a big relief to the traders of state, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today laid the basis to end 'Inspector Raj' in Punjab by launching “Rahat Scheme” for traders across the state under which traders may opt for lump-sum tax.Today launching this unique scheme at a mammoth rally of traders from the Malwa region at Maur Mandi, Mr Badal said "it is an attempt to provide suitable and congenial atmosphere to the traders where they can run their business activities without any fear and hassle". He further said “we believe in freedom of doing business activities that let the traders do what they can do the best.”
The new relief scheme has been launched for 74 cities and towns in which 24 cities falls in tier-1 and remaining in tier-2 and tier-3. Under this scheme traders may opt for lump-sum tax ranges from Rs. 0-25 lakh to 1.00 crore business. Any trader who have turnover between Rs. 0-25 lakh would have to deposit Rs 5000 as lump-sum tax where as from Rs. 25-50 lakh, it would be Rs 10,000. Besides, from the range of Rs 50 lakh to 75 lakh, the lump-sum tax have to be paid Rs 15,000 and for one crore turnover it would be Rs 20,000.Deputy Cm also announced that to end the red-tapism and Inspector Raj in the state, officials of Excise and Taxation Department would not be entitled to inspect the records or shops of traders registered under the new Rahat Scheme. "If any kind of irregularity noticed by any dealer, than commissioner could allow the inspection of concerned trader", Mr Badal added. He also said “the main aim behind the new scheme is to simplify the procedure of trade and business in the state”.
A helpline no 18002582580 and an email [email protected] has also been launched for traders to file their complaint in this regard.
On being asked about the fall in revenue due to new policy, Deputy Chief Minister clarified that it would give a big push to revenue receipts of the state as more and more dealers would come forward to register themselves under new scheme as nearly 80% dealers were not paying the single penny as a VAT to the state.Talking about the success of VAT refund fund scheme implemented by the Punjab Government few months back, Deputy Chief Minister replied that in one month VAT refund has been fallen to Rs. 350 crore from Rs. 450 crore. To give the relaxation to other units on the lines of Iron and Steel Industry, Mr Badal said that “I am open to any suggestion put forth by the other industrialists”.
Replying to a question about the implementation of MOUs signed by Punjab government with big houses during the Progressive Punjab Summit, Deputy Chief Minister said that Infosys is initiating its work on February 21 where as Kargill company is all set to establish its manufacturing unit at Bathinda. Besides ITC would setup its Food Park at Kapurthala next month. He also said that all formalities have been completed with 15 companies to allot lands for their projects. Deputy Chief Minister also announced that in next 6 months all administration work would be paperless and process in this regard has already been started from Mansa district where all citizen centric services would be provided online.
Speaking on the occasion Member Parliament Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal called upon the people to wipe out the most corrupt and inefficient UPA government to save the country in next Lok sabha elections. Prominent amongst present on the occasion included Irrigation Minister Janmaja Singh Sekhon, CPS Sarup Chand Singla and Parkash Chand Garg, MLA Harpreet Singh, Gurtej Singh Ghuriyana, Deep Malhotra and Prem Mittal, Commissioner Excise and Taxation Anurag Verma, Amarjeet Singh Sidhu, Ravinder Singh Cheema Vice President Punjab Mandi Board and Harjinder Singh Sidhu Assistant Media Advisor to Deputy CM, Punjab.