Chandigarh, Nov 6 – The Punjab cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, granted approval for two significant initiatives during its recent meeting. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema revealed that the first initiative is the ‘Mukh Mantri Tirth Yatra’ scheme, allowing elderly individuals to embark on pilgrimages to religious sites like Nanded Sahib, Hazur Sahib, Chintpurni, Jawalaji, and Naina Devi via free bus and train transportation. The scheme, with a budget of Rs 40 crore, is scheduled to commence on November 27. A sub-committee will decide on the eligible age for participants.
The second initiative is a one-time settlement scheme (OTS) designed to provide substantial relief to traders and the business community in Punjab. Under this scheme, a lump sum tax of up to Rs 1 lakh will be waived, benefiting 39,787 traders across the state. The cabinet has approved the OTS for pending cases related to various tax acts, including the Punjab Value Added Tax Act, 2005, the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956, the Punjab Infrastructure Development Regulation Act, 2002, the Punjab General Sales Tax Act, 1948, the Punjab Entertainment Tax Act, 1954, the Punjab Tax on Luxuries Act, 2009, and the Punjab Institutions and Other Buildings Tax Act, 2011. Additionally, the cabinet has decided to provide a 50% waiver on tax dues for traders with debts ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1 crore, along with a complete waiver of interest and penalties on tax arrears. This decision will provide relief to around 60,000 traders involved in 19,361 cases.
These initiatives aim to offer essential support to senior citizens seeking religious pilgrimages and traders striving to clear their tax dues. The state government views the OTS as a Diwali gift to the trading community, providing significant financial relief and fostering goodwill among the people.
