94 awarded under government VAT scheme for March

As many as 94 persons have won prizes for the month of March under the Delhi government’s “Bill Banvao Inam Pao” scheme — an initiative to ensure that the VAT paid by people reaches the government.

“A record 13,500 bills have been received for March 2016 under the scheme. A record number of 94 persons have won prizes. While three of them will receive the maximum prize money of Rs 50,000, the rem-aining will get five times their purchase value,” a senior government official said on Sunday.

Under the scheme customers are encouraged to upload their bills on “DVATBILL” mobile app. If the bill issued to a customer is not reflected on the online server of the VAT department, it would mean that the outlet is evading tax.

It was launched by the Delhi government’s department of trade and taxes in January to improve tax filing compliance among traders.

Delhi VAT commissioner S.S. Yadav said bills uploaded by people have helped in catching large number of tax evaders. By uploading the bills people make sure that the VAT paid by them reaches the government and is used in the development of Delhi.

“Bill Banvao Inam Pao scheme is becoming increasingly popular amongst the people of Delhi. The participation is increasing every month,” Mr Yadav said.