CHANDIGARH: Following Punjab government's dedication to fostering a positive and supportive environment for businesses especially during the festive season, Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday issued instructions to the Commissioner Taxation to ensure that no officer from the Tax department should harass any of the businessmen or traders.
In a statement issued here, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that he got some reports that some officers of the GST department were harassing businessmen or traders during the festive season. “Taking swift action, I immediately issued instructions to the GST Commissioner to halt any such activities”, said the Minister Cheema while emphasizing that the festivals are a time for everyone to celebrate with joy and unity, and as such, all raids have been ordered to stop immediately.
In addition, Minister Cheema urged traders and businessmen that if they experience any sort of harassment from inspectors or other officers of the State Tax Department, they should immediately report such incidents directly to his office. He said that such complaints can be registered by calling 0175-2921005 or 2225192. Finance Minister Cheema assured that strict action would be taken against any GST tax department officials if found guilty of harassing traders.
Congratulating all businessmen on the occasion of the upcoming festivals, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting their interests. He assured that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, will always stand by the business community and ensure they do not face any difficulties.