Drive to encourage women to demand bills from shopkeepers

The Punjab Taxation Department has launched a consumer awareness campaign ahead of the Karvachauth festival, urging women to demand proper bills from shopkeepers, particularly at beauty parlours and salons. This initiative aims to ensure that businesses comply with taxation laws and do not take advantage of unsuspecting customers during the festive season.

The campaign comes in response to rising concerns about tax evasion and inflated prices in these sectors.

To support the initiative, the department has introduced a user-friendly app where women can upload bills for verification and stand a chance to win reward. By encouraging women to ask for bills, the department seeks to foster a culture of accountability and transparency in the market. Not only does proper billing protect consumers from overcharging, but it also ensures that businesses contribute fairly to the economy by paying taxes.

Financial Commissioner, Taxation, Punjab, Krishan Kumar, clarified that the campaign is not aimed at targeting beauty parlours and salons, as some persons have been spreading misinformation.

“There is a misconception that we are singling out these businesses,” said Kumar. “In reality, our goal is to encourage women to form the habit of asking for bills and making them part of this government initiative by rewarding them. It’s about empowering women and ensuring consumer protection”, he added.

Kumar further explained that women can easily upload their bills through the department’s app and, after proper verification, lucky winners will be selected and awarded. “This initiative isn’t just about enforcing compliance, it’s about engaging women in a positive and beneficial way,” he said.

He said by making women active participants in this campaign, the department hopes to curb tax evasion while ensuring that businesses remain honest in their transactions.