Punjab’s “Bill Liao Inam Pao” Scheme Registers Resounding Success with Over ₹3.3 Crore in Prizes Awarded: Harpal Singh Cheema
Chandigarh, August 10 : Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday announced a major boost to citizen engagement and tax transparency. He highlighted the remarkable success of the state’s flagship “Bill Liao Inam Pao” scheme. The initiative was launched to encourage responsible consumer behaviour. It also aims to strengthen tax compliance. The program has witnessed enthusiastic public participation. A total of 1,76,832 bills were uploaded on the ‘Mera Bill app’ from its launch in September 2023 to July 2025. This surge in engagement has resulted in 5644 winners receiving prizes amounting to ₹3,35,80,215.
In a press communique issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema revealed that the scheme’s focus on encouraging citizens to demand bills has had a profound impact on tax enforcement.He said that authorities have levied penalties worth ₹9,07,06,102 against entities guilty of irregularities in bill issuance. “We have already recovered ₹7,30,92,230 of this amount, marking a significant step forward in ensuring fiscal accountability,” said Finance Minister Cheema, adding that the scheme has further expanded the tax base by facilitating 135 new registrations.
Bill Liao : Punjab’s July ‘Mera Bill’ Draw Rewards 257 Winners with 15.3 Lakh
The Finance Minister also shared details of the latest lucky draw for July 2025, held on August 7 at the department’s head office in Patiala. In July 2025, the draw for 6,345 bills uploaded on the ‘Mera Bill’ app selected 257 winners, who collectively received ₹15,30,015 in prize money. He emphasised that the department promptly transfers the prize amount to winners’ bank accounts. This occurs upon receipt of the necessary details, including account numbers. Urging winners to submit their information at the earliest, the Finance Minister reiterated the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led Punjab government’s commitment to transparency and efficiency.
Finance Minister Cheema encouraged continued public participation. He appealed to the people of Punjab to actively engage with the “Bill Liao Inam Pao” scheme. People can do this by demanding bills for their purchases. He underscored that every bill uploaded not only offers a chance to win. It also contributes meaningfully to the state’s efforts in curbing tax evasion. Additionally, it promotes a culture of compliance.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema clarified that the scheme’s eligibility criteria exclude bills for petroleum products. These products include crude oil, petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, and natural gas. The criteria also exclude liquor, out-of-state purchases, and B2B transactions. He stressed that the draw considers only bills for purchases made in the preceding month. This approach ensures the scheme’s fairness. It also enhances operational effectiveness.
The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the success of this initiative is a testament to the power of citizen-driven governance. This success shows the influence of citizens. It also reflects the AAP-led Punjab Government’s resolve to build a more accountable and participatory fiscal ecosystem. He said that the scheme’s dual impact is twofold. It rewards vigilant consumers. It also tightens the state’s tax enforcement mechanisms.
