The Punjab Taxation Bar Association organised a special seminar at Hotel Park Plaza, Ludhiana, to raise awareness about the Punjab Government’s newly announced One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme, 2025 and the upcoming GST 2.0 reforms. The seminar witnessed active participation from legal and tax professionals, aiming to foster greater cooperation between taxpayers and the state taxation authorities.

The event was graced by Shinee Singh, Assistant Commissioner, State Tax, Ludhiana-3, who delivered the keynote address on the OTS Scheme. She explained in detail how the scheme provides taxpayers with a unique opportunity to clear long-pending dues under several state and central acts, including the Punjab General Sales Tax Act, 1948; the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956; the Punjab Infrastructure (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002; the Punjab VAT Act, 2005; and the Punjab Entertainments Duty Act, 1955.

Highlighting the waiver structure under the scheme, Singh outlined:

• Up to ₹1 crore: 100% waiver on interest and penalty, 50% waiver on tax amount.

• ₹1 crore to ₹25 crore: 100% waiver on interest and penalty, 25% waiver on tax amount.

• Above ₹25 crore: 100% waiver on interest and penalty, 10% waiver on tax amount.

She encouraged stakeholders to utilise this “golden opportunity” to regularise outstanding liabilities, noting that the initiative reflects the government’s resolve to balance enforcement with taxpayer support.

The session also featured an address by CA Bimal Jain, an eminent tax expert, who shed light on key changes proposed under GST 2.0 and their potential impact on businesses.

The interactive session saw members of the Punjab Taxation Bar Association engage with the speakers through a detailed Q&A, where clarifications on waiver limits, procedural aspects, and eligibility criteria were provided. Participants lauded the initiative for providing much-needed clarity on complex provisions.

Hardeep Singh Ahuja, Assistant State Taxation Officer, also attended the seminar and appreciated the Association’s efforts to organise such awareness programmes. He urged the Bar members to hold similar sessions regularly to ensure wider dissemination of government schemes and reforms among taxpayers.

The seminar concluded with a consensus that transparent, practical, and taxpayer-friendly initiatives such as the OTS Scheme can play a crucial role in improving compliance, reducing litigation, and boosting state revenue while easing the burden on taxpayers.

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