'Rahat' scheme will provide relief to traders: Sukhbir

A day after launching the 'Rahat' scheme in the state, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today said the relief scheme would benefit 1.86 lakh traders.
Addressing a gathering of traders from Doaba region here at Dana Mandi, Badal said, "This historic relief scheme has been launched in 74 towns of category II and III."
Traders, having Rahat Card, would have to file self-declaration on a single page application for registration and could run their trade without keeping record books, and no excise official would inspect their premises, he said.
Handing over Rahat certificates to the traders from each district of Doaba region, Badal said under this scheme, traders may opt for lump-sum tax as per their annual turnover.

"The motto of the scheme is to remove the fear of inspectors from the traders mind and to simplify the procedures to deposit taxes," he said.
Badal also said that the government would provide the traders opting for 'Rahat' scheme with accidental insurance of Rs 2 lakh, cashless treatment up to Rs 50,000 and Rs 5 lakh insurance cover in case of any natural calamity.

Badal also announced that after six months, this unique Rahat initiative of Punjab government would be implemented in all major cities falling under category I.
Later, talking to media, Badal described Congress leader Amarinder Singh a "big liar", who was misleading the people of Punjab by giving "baseless" statements.

Badal said Amarinder and Partap Singh Bajwa were just trying to fool electorates by raking up "frivolous" issues, while "fighting to control the reins of Punjab Congress".
Answering a query regarding BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, Badal said only a decisive leader like Modi could save the country and electorates should differentiate between "decisive" Modi and "divisive" Congress being represented by a novice Rahul Gandhi.