Punjab State Traders Commission (Excise and Taxation Department) Anil Thakur held a meeting with traders, businessmen, and industrialists of Ludhiana on Friday to listen to their grievances. Presiding over the meeting at the local Bachat Bhawan, Chairman Anil Thakur discussed issues related to GST, district mobile wing, and excise matters, engaging with various traders, businessmen, and industrialists.
He emphasized fostering a cordial relationship between the department and the trading community to enhance tax revenue collection.Thakur highlighted that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, the Punjab government has achieved a 62% increase in GST revenue and a 63% rise in excise revenue.
He noted that the One-Time Settlement scheme, introduced for resolving pending dues of VAT system, has benefited 70,311 dealers, providing relief worth Rs 867 crore. Thakur assured that the Punjab government is committed to resolving justifiable issues and demands of traders and industrialists. He directed GST and excise wing officials to address shortcomings in tax collection promptly.
He also urged traders and industrialists to deposit taxes honestly and timely to contribute to Punjab’s progress and prosperity, strengthening the state’s treasury. He emphasized the commission's role as a bridge between the Punjab government, traders, and industrialists, stating that he is visiting every district to listen to their concerns for resolution at the government level.
The Chairman instructed state GST officials present at the meeting to promptly address and resolve issues raised by traders. He also assured that the government is fulfilling its promises by meeting industrialists, builders, and traders across the state to create a favorable business environment and address their concerns.
He invited traders and industrialists to submit written suggestions or demands, assuring that the government and the commission would consider them seriously to find appropriate solutions. During the meeting, Chairman Thakur condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam Jammu and Kashmir, expressing condolences to the victims’ families. A two-minute silence was also observed to pay tribute to the deceased tourists.
The meeting was attended by Chairman District Planning Board Sharanpal Singh Makkar, Punjab State Traders Commission members Jaskaran Singh Badesha and Raj Kumar Agarwal, Deepika Bansal from the Punjab State Traders Commission, DTC Ranadhir Kaur, all AETCs, all ETOs and others.