Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today launching "Rahat Scheme" for traders said this first of its own kind scheme in the country would provide direct relief to 1.86 traders in the state besides covering them under the ambit of insurance, mediclaim and natural calamities.Addressing mammoth gathering of traders from Doaba region here at Dana Mandi, Mr. Badal said this historic relief scheme has been launched in 74 towns of category II and III, where traders and shopkeepers having Rahat Card could run their trades without keeping record books. He said they have to file self-declaration on a single page application for registration and no excise official would visit or inspect their premises for checking purposes. Adding further he said, "State government is focusing on accelerated business and trade growth by creating a congenial environment by eliminating Inspector regime besides providing hassle and tension free trade activities."
Handing over Rahat Certificates to the traders from each district of Doaba Region, Mr. Badal said under this scheme traders may opt for lump-sum tax ranges from Rs 0-25 lakh to 1.00 crore annual turnover. He said that traders with having turnover upto Rs. 25 lakh would have to deposit Rs 5000 and from Rs. 25-50 lakh, Rs. 10000 would have to pay. Besides, from the range of Rs 50 lakh to 75 lakh, they would have to pay Rs. 15,000 and for one crore turnover it would be Rs 20,000. He also informed that the motto of the scheme was to remove the fear of inspectors from the traders mind and to simplify the procedures to deposit taxes.
Badal also informed that government would reciprocate the traders opting for Rahat Scheme with accidental insurance of Rs. 2 lakh, cashless treatment up to Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 5 lakh insurance cover in case of any natural calamity. He said this scheme would prove a boon for traders as they would get rid from maintaining account books, employ accountants, printing of stationary besides saving their plenty of precious time and energy.Badal also announced that after six months, this unique Rahat initiative of Punjab Government would be implement in all major cities falling under category I. He added that about 80% traders could get benefit from this unique Rahat scheme.
Earlier addressing the gathering at Balachaur after inaugurating 66 KV grid station at Bhaddi at a cost of Rs. 5.5 crore, Deputy CM to provided a big relief to lakhs of farmers and announced to waive off electricity bills of all government tube wells installed in the Kandi areas. He also announced to exempt farmers from paying arrears of these tube well bills.Reiterating his commitment to strengthen irrigation network in Kandi area, Mr. Badal also announced that the Kandi Canal would be completed in next 12 months. The Deputy CM also announced that Punjab Government would provide subsidy on barbed wires to Kandi area farmers for protection of their crops from wild animals. On the demand put by Chief Parliamentary Secretary Chaudhary Nand Lal, Deputy CM promised to construct new state-of-the-art hospital at Kathgarh.
On the occasion Mr. Rajpal Singh Chauhan and Mr. Santokh Singh both Senior Congress leaders and Mr. Kewal Krishan Bains, Senior BSP leaders today Joined Shiromani Akali Dal in the presence of Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal.Meanwhile talking to media persons, Mr. Badal described Captain Amarinder Singh a big liar in Congress Party, who was misleading the people of Punjab by giving on baseless statements. Mr. Badal said Captain and Partap Singh Bajwa were just trying to befool the electorates by raking up frivolous issues but actually, they were fighting to control the reins of PPCC.Answering a query regarding Mr. Narendra Modi, Mr. Badal said only decisive leader like Modi can save the country and electorates should differentiate between decisive Modi and pisive congress party being represented by a novice Mr. Rahul Gandhi.
Earlier Deputy CM also visited Swami Chetnanand, Bhuri Wale at his Dera at village Tapprian Khurd and announced to construct a 25bedded hospital within one year. Prominent amongst those spoke on the occasion at Nawan Shahr included Mr. Chuni Lal Bhagat, Forest Minister, Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Industries Minister, Mr. Sarup Chand Singla, Chief Parliamentary Secretary and Narotam Dev Ratti, chairman Punjab Traders Board. Prominent amongst those present included Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Tourism Minister, Mr. Pargat Singh, Mr. Surinder Singh Bhule Rathan, Mr. Daljit Singh Cheema, all MLAs, Mr. Tikshan Sud, Bibi Jagir Kaur, both former Ministers, Mr. Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, Chairman Mandi Board, Mr. Prem Singh Chandumajra, former MP, Mr. Kiranbir Singh Kang, Dr. Sukhwinder Singh Sukhi, Chairman District Planning Committee, Mrs. Satinder Kaur Kariha, constituency incharge, Mr. Jagteshwar Singh Majithia and Mr. Madan Lal Bagga, vice chairman Punjab Traders Board.