Punjab Government's OTS-3 Benefits 70,311 Dealers

Banga MLA Dr. Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi's recent defection from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has prompted a legal notice demanding his resignation, citing violation of defection laws. Advocate H C Arora issued this notice, stating legal action will follow if Sukhi does not comply within two weeks. In a related development, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced that the One Time Settlement Scheme-3 (OTS-3) has benefitted 70,311 dealers, generating ₹164.35 crore for the state treasury. This scheme, aimed at resolving legacy tax issues, offers significant waivers to dealers, in stark contrast to previous settlement schemes. Cheema highlighted that the OTS-3 has provided substantial financial relief compared to earlier initiatives, reflecting the government's proactive approach to tax collection. The scheme’s success underscores ongoing efforts by the Punjab government to streamline tax liabilities and improve compliance among traders.