Neel Garg lauds Mann government for success of OTS-3

Chandigarh, August 21, 2024: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab has praised the Mann government for the success of the OTS-3 scheme. Launched in November 2023, OTS-3 was designed based on feedback from industrialists, businessmen, and traders, making it significantly more effective than its predecessors.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Neel Garg, President of the AAP Punjab Trade Wing, said that 70,311 dealers have benefited from the One Time Settlement Scheme-3 (OTS-3), which aims to address and simplify longstanding tax issues. He was accompanied by AAP spokespersons Govinder Mittal and Babbi Badal.

Garg added that the OTS-3 scheme significantly boosted the Government Treasury by Rs. 164.35 Crore. In contrast, the previous OTS-1 and OTS-2 schemes, launched by earlier governments, generated a total tax revenue of only Rs. 13.15 Crore from 31,768 cases.

Neel Garg also highlighted the other achievements of the Mann government, stating that no previous government had done as much for the common people of Punjab. He mentioned Aam Aadmi clinics, where people are getting free treatment and Malwa Canal, which is being built by the Punjab government to extend canal irrigation coverage in the state. Garg noted that the Bhagwant Mann government is the first since independence to consider expanding the canal system. 

AAP spokesperson said that the development of a state cannot progress without actively engaging with its industrialists and businessmen. This was the cornerstone of our strategy prior to the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. We conducted extensive town hall meetings across Punjab, gathering feedback directly from the business community.

He added unlike many governments that may overlook such engagement once in office, CM Bhagwant Mann's administration has maintained a strong focus on this crucial interaction. Since the government was formed, we have organized continuous meetings with industrialists and business leaders. Our outreach began in September last year in Amritsar Sahib and extended to Ludhiana, Mohali, and Jalandhar. We also established a dedicated contact number for industrialists to register complaints and provide suggestions.

As a result of the 1,260 complaints and suggestions received via WhatsApp, we developed a new industrial policy that has been well-received by the business community. This proactive approach has led to an investment of Rs 74,047 crore in Punjab, contributing to a significant boost in the state's business activity and creating three lakh jobs. Currently, CM Mann is in Mumbai, continuing to meet with industrialists to attract further investment to Punjab.

Neel Garg said that for the first time in Punjab, the Finance Minister actively sought feedback from various sections of the population while preparing the budget. We extend our praise to Finance Minister Harpal Cheema for this inclusive approach. The outcome of this feedback has led to increased engagement between traders and the government.

While OTS schemes have been introduced in Punjab before, with OTS 1 and OTS 2 involving approximately 30,711 dealers and generating Rs 13.15 crore in revenue, the OTS 3 scheme has proven to be the most successful so far. Under the OTS 3 scheme, 70,311 dealers have benefited, resulting in the government receiving Rs 164.35 crore. The scheme was divided into two parts: For arrears up to Rs 1 lakh and For arrears between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1 crore. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to supporting traders and enhancing their financial well-being.

For arrears up to Rs 1 lakh: 100% waiver was granted, settling the cases of 50,903 dealers and providing relief totaling Rs 221.75 crore. For arrears between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1 crore: Interest and penalties were waived 100%, and 50% of the tax was also waived. This resulted in 19,408 dealers benefiting, with a total relief amounting to Rs 664.46 crore.

Neel Garg further said that our intentions and policies are very clear: we aim to create an environment where businessmen and industrialists can operate freely in Punjab, fostering both economic growth and effective tax collection. By encouraging business activities, we also support job creation for our youth. We extend our gratitude to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for fostering an environment in the state where law and order are prioritized, and where the government's treasury is steadily increasing.