Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab with a vision to make Punjab first 'inspector raj' free state of the country launched 'Rahat Scheme' for traders here under which traders may opted for lumpsum tax under three categories.Presiding over a massive gathering of traders from the Majha region here at Tarn Taran, Mr Badal said this comprehensive scheme would provide a hasslefree platform to traders to opt for lump-sum annual taxes to get rid off from unnecessary record keeping and 'inspector raj'. He informed the gathering that new “Rahat scheme” has been launched for 74 cities across the state in which 24 falls in tier-1 and remaining in tier-2 and tier- 3. He said under this unique scheme traders may opt for lumpsum tax ranging annual turnover from Rs. 0-25 lakh to 1 crore buisness. The traders having annual Rs. 25 lakh would have to deposit Rs 5000 as lumpsm tax whereas from 25-50 lakh, it would be Rs 10000. Besides that from the range of Rs 50 lakh to 75 lakh the lumpsum tax would be Rs 15000 and up to one crore it would be Rs 20,000.
Launching toll free helpline for traders 18002582580 and mail id [email protected], Mr. Badal said traders can register their plaints, if any, directly on this number for proper implementation of Rahat Scheme.
He said the registered traders would be facilitated by accidental insurance cover of Rs. 2 lakh, cashless treatment up to Rs. 50000 and an insurance cover of Rs. 5 lakh in case of any natural calamity. Reitrating his commitment to make Punjab No. 1 state in all spheres in the country Mr. Badal said Punjab has got the status of Power Surplus state and the rates of power would be cut down in coming time. He said within a week tube well connections of farmers to be released across the district besides blue card would also be distributed amongst beneficiaries. He also informed that Punjab has also finalised the blue print to connect all major roads in the state with 4/6 lane network since Rs. 15000 crore has been set aside for this purpose and within two years this project would be accomplished.Expressing satisfaction over the successful hosting of Progressive Punjab Investment Summit and Progressive Punjab Agriculture Summit, Mr. Badal said these initiatives of SAD-BJP Government have paved a way for industrial and agriculture revolution in Punjab. He said Infosys, ITC and Cargill have decided to setup their units in Punjab.
Badal also predicted that SAD-BJP government would definitley register massive victories on all 13 seats in Lok Sabha seats. He also gave a call to the electorates of Khaddor Sahib Constituency to cast their votes in favour of SAD-BJP candidate Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura to ensure his landslide victory.Addressing the gathering Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura exhorted the traders to get full benefit of Rahat Scheme, which would provide a big relief from paper work and keeping records. He said this scheme would provide a boon for traders.Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia said that Rahat Scheme will eliminate the inspector raj besides saving precious time and energy of traders. He said all the traders community should come forward for proper implementation of this scheme. He also said that Punjab Government would leave no stone unturned for the all round development of Tarn Taran.Anil Joshi, Local Bodies Minister, Mr. Harmeet Singh Sandhu, Mr. Sarup Chand Singla, both Chief Parliamentary Secretaries also spoke on the occasion. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Mr. Inderbir Singh Bolaria, MLA Mr. Baljit Singh Jalal Usma, Mr. Ravinder Singh Brahmpura, Chairman District Planning Board and Mr. Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal, Deputy Commissioner.