Haryana Govt to reward whistleblowers reporting tax evaders

In a significant move to tackle tax evasion in Haryana, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said individuals providing information about tax evasion by any person or firm in the state would be rewarded by the government. The identity and details of those sharing such information will remain confidential. To support this initiative, an initial fund of Rs 2 crore will be allocated to the Excise and Taxation Department.

Make panchayat nod must for liquor vends: CM

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has said liquor vends in rural areas should be located at a sufficient distance from homes, schools and religious sites, stressing obtaining approval from the gram panchayat should be made mandatory

Chairing a review meeting of the Excise and Taxation Department, he directed the officers to intensify efforts to combat drug peddling across the state. He instructed that a dedicated portal be developed, enabling people to report drug peddling activities online. Those providing such information will also be rewarded, with their identities kept confidential.

To effectively curb drug smuggling, the Chief Minister emphasised the need for coordinated efforts between the Excise and Taxation Department, the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau and the Police, in order to completely eradicate the issue of drug peddling.

Issuing directives to take stern action against individuals involved in producing counterfeit liquor and its smuggling, the Chief Minister said the department should enforce the strictest penalties, including hefty fines, against such anti-social elements. Furthermore, he said assets acquired by such individuals through illicit means should also be attached.

The Chief Minister further said during enforcement actions by the Excise and Taxation Department targeting tax evasion and fake liquor, if any evidence of drug smuggling or related products is discovered, appropriate action should be taken against the accused. Apart from this, the provisions for tax evasion of illegal liquor will be further tightened. Also, changes were made in the Punjab Excise Act, 1914.

Saini also instructed that liquor vends in rural areas should be located at a sufficient distance from homes, schools, and religious sites, and obtaining approval from the Gram Panchayat should be made mandatory for not establishing such vends. He also asked the department to introduce a one-time settlement scheme to resolve pending tax issues for small traders.

During the meeting, it was informed that Haryana ranks fifth in the country for overall GST collection. Moreover, in the category of major states, Haryana holds the top position for per capita GST collection. It was also shared that the Excise and Taxation Department is expected to collect over Rs 63,000 crore in revenue in the budget estimate for the fiscal year 2024-25. In addition, the Chief Minister directed the department to explore new avenues to enhance revenue generation in next fiscal.