In a major offensive against tax evasion, Punjab's Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced the detection of bogus billing transactions worth Rs 1,549 crore and the blocking of fraudulent ITC claims worth Rs 108.79 crore in the ongoing financial year.
Speaking at a press conference held at Punjab Bhawan, Cheema credited the success to the aggressive enforcement drive carried out by the state's Taxation Department and emphasized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government's commitment to restoring financial integrity.
Major Seizures and Enforcement Highlights
- Ludhiana (Gold Sector): Rs 900 crore worth of fake invoices detected; Rs 21 crore ITC blocked.
- Mohali, Kharar, Kotkapura (Coal Trade): Rs 226 crore bogus billing exposed; Rs 12 crore ITC blocked.
- Ludhiana & Mandi Gobindgarh (Statewide Sweep): Rs 423 crore in fake transactions identified; Rs 75.79 crore ITC blocked during verification of 195 GST-registered entities.
- Gold Seizure: 2 kg of gold transported without proper invoicing intercepted; probe underway.
- Key Arrest: One person apprehended in a Rs 29.50 crore fake ITC case involving Rs 163 crore of inward supplies from over 60 bogus or de-registered firms.
Technology-Driven Compliance
Cheema highlighted the deployment of 15 advanced data analytics modules developed in partnership with IIT Hyderabad, with seven more to be launched soon. These modules have been instrumental in pinpointing suspicious patterns and exposing fraudulent activities.
He also praised public participation through schemes like 'Bill Liyao Inaam Pao', where 4,880 citizens won Rs 2.89 crore in rewards by uploading purchase bills on the 'Mera Bill' app.
Recoveries and Penalties
As a result of these intensified efforts:
- Penalties of Rs 9.07 crore have been imposed.
- Recoveries amounting to Rs 7.20 crore have been secured under GST law.
Political Accountability
Taking a dig at past administrations, Cheema alleged that previous governments under the Congress, BJP, and Akali Dal offered protection to tax evaders.
"They are now panicking as we go after their cronies. We are reclaiming what rightfully belongs to honest taxpayers," he said.
Strong GST Performance Under AAP Rule
Cheema also noted that the AAP government has shown a significant improvement in GST revenue collection, generating Rs 62,733 crore in just three years, nearly equaling the Rs 63,042 crore collected in five years under the previous Congress regime.
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