Chandigarh, Aug. 11 -- Punjab finance, planning, excise and taxation minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday said Rs.9.07 crore had been imposed as penalties on entities found guilty of irregularities in issuing bills to consumers since September 2023 when 'Bill Liao Inam Pao' scheme was launched. Launched to encourage responsible consumer behaviour and strengthen tax compliance, the initiative has witnessed 1,76,832 bills being uploaded on the 'Mera Bill app' till July this year. This has resulted in 5,644 winners receiving prizes amounting to Rs.3,35,80,215. In a press communique issued here, Cheema said out of Rs.9,07,06,102 penalty, Rs.7,30,92,230 has been recovered. The scheme has further expanded the tax base by facilitating 135 new registrations, he said. The minister also shared details of the latest lucky draw for July at the department's head office in Patiala held on August 7. The draw, which involved 6,345 bills uploaded on the 'Mera Bill' app in July, resulted in 257 winners being selected and collectively receiving Rs.15,30,015 in prize money. He emphasised that the department promptly transfers the prize amount to winners' bank accounts upon receipt of the necessary details, including account numbers. Cheema appealed to the people of Punjab to actively engage with the "Bill Liao Inam Pao" scheme by demanding bills for their purchases. Cheema clarified that bills pertaining to petroleum products, liquor, out-of-state purchases and B2B transactions are excluded from the scheme's eligibility criteria....