Under the “Aap Di Sarkar Aap De Dwaar” initiative of the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Chairman of the Punjab State Traders Commission Sh. Anil Thakur today interacted with traders and industrialists of district SAS Nagar at the Excise Bhawan, Mohali, and listened to their concerns. Commission Member Sh. Vineet Verma and Secretary, AAP Punjab Trade Wing, Sh. Ranjitpal Singh were also specially present.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman Anil Thakur informed that to reduce the burden of old cases and promote ease of doing business, the Punjab Government has launched the ‘One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme 2025’ for recovery of pending dues. The scheme is applicable from October 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
Taxpayers whose assessments have been completed up to September 30, 2025, under the Punjab General Sales Tax Act, 1948, Central Sales Tax Act, 1956, Punjab Infrastructure Development and Regulation Act, 2002, Punjab VAT Act, 2005, Punjab Entertainment Duty Act, 1955, and Punjab Entertainment Tax (Cinematography Shows) Act, 1954 are eligible to apply under this scheme.
Explaining the benefits, he said that:
For cases with tax amount up to ₹1 crore – 100% waiver on interest and penalty and 50% relief on tax amount.
For cases between ₹1 crore and ₹25 crore – 100% waiver on interest and penalty and 25% relief on tax amount.
For cases above ₹25 crore – 100% waiver on interest and penalty and 10% relief on tax amount.
He said that the Commission is visiting every district to interact with traders and industrialists to ensure that their problems are resolved at the government level. He directed the officials not to unnecessarily harass traders and industrialists and appealed to traders to always issue a proper bill during every sale transaction.
He also informed that the “Bill Lao Inaam Pao” scheme has been relaunched, under which those uploading bills through the ‘Mera Bill’ App are eligible for lucky draws, which has significantly encouraged the habit of proper billing across Punjab. Reiterating the government’s commitment, Chairman Thakur said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Commission and departments are determined to provide a positive and business-friendly environment across the state.
He directed the State GST officers present to resolve the grievances of traders immediately on the spot. He further said that the Chief Minister, after interacting with industrialists and now with traders, is ensuring that all assurances made to them are being fulfilled to make Punjab a comfortable and progressive business destination.
Traders also expressed gratitude towards the government, stating that they faced no difficulties during this Diwali season and appreciated the pro-trader policies. Chairman Thakur assured that the government, its departments, and commissions are making coordinated efforts to address traders’ issues effectively.
He invited traders to contact him directly if any difficulty persists. On this occasion, Member Vineet Verma and Trade Wing Secretary Ranjitpal Singh stated that some liquor contractors have formed unauthorized syndicates, which are not recognized by the government, and strict action will be taken against such entities.
They added that for the first time, the government itself is reaching out to the people to listen to their problems and seek their valuable suggestions. Among those present included Assistant Commissioner Manmohan Singh, Sales Tax Officers Amanpreet Singh, Anupam, and Bhavna, along with office-bearers of Mohali Industries Association, Mohali Traders Association, and other industrial and trade bodies who shared their suggestions and concerns.