Launch of Invoice Incentive Scheme “Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar” from 1st September, 2023
Government Aims to Foster Invoice Consciousness and Responsible Buying Behavior
By TFP Bureau New Delhi August 24, 2023: In a bid to cultivate a consumer culture that emphasizes transparency and accountability, the Government of India, in collaboration with various State Governments, is set to introduce the innovative “Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar” initiative, a pioneering invoice incentive scheme. The scheme, designed to promote the practice of demanding invoices for every purchase, is scheduled for launch on September 1, 2023.
The core objective of the “Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar” initiative is to instill a cultural shift among the public, urging them to exercise their right to ask for a bill, thereby advocating for financial transparency and ensuring their entitlement to a documented transaction.
The comprehensive details of the scheme are as follows:
1. Commencement and Pilot Phase:The scheme’s launch is slated for September 1, 2023. In its initial phase, it will be introduced as a pilot program in the states of Assam, Gujarat, and Haryana, along with the Union Territories of Puducherry, Dadra Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu.
2. Eligibility and Criteria: The scheme is open to all invoices issued by GST registered suppliers within the aforementioned states and UTs. Invoices with a minimum value of Rs. 200 will qualify for participation in the scheme.
3. Invoice Submission Platforms: Participants can upload their invoices on the dedicated mobile application “Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar,” available on both iOS and Android platforms, as well as on the web portal “web.merabill.gst.gov.in.”
4. Participation Limit: All Indian residents, regardless of their state or UT, are eligible to partake in the scheme. An individual can upload a maximum of 25 invoices per month through the app or web portal to enter the lucky draw.
5. Acknowledgement Reference Number (ARN): Upon uploading an invoice, participants will receive a unique ARN, which will be utilized for the prize draw.
6. Prize Structure:The scheme features regular draws, held monthly and quarterly. Monthly draws will see 800 winners, each receiving a prize of Rs. 10,000. The quarterly “Bumper Draw” will award two winners a substantial prize of Rs. 1 crore.
7. Draw Eligibility:Monthly draws will include all B2C invoices uploaded by the 5th of the following month, while the quarterly bumper draw will encompass invoices submitted during the past three months leading up to the 5th of the draw month.
8. Invoice Information: While submitting invoices, participants are required to provide essential details such as the supplier’s GSTIN, invoice number, invoice date, invoice value, and the state/UT of the customer.
9. Stringent Validation: The system will scrutinize duplicate submissions and invoices featuring inactive or fraudulent GSTINs, ensuring fairness in the selection process.
10. Notification and Prize Disbursement: Winners will receive alerts and notifications through SMS and the app/web portal. Prize recipients will then need to provide additional details, including PAN number, Aadhar Card, and bank account information within 30 days to facilitate the seamless transfer of their winnings.
11. Duration: The pilot phase of the scheme will span a duration of 12 months, during which its impact and effectiveness will be assessed.
With the launch of the “Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar” initiative, the Indian government seeks to galvanize a consumer movement centered around accountability, fiscal consciousness, and a proactive demand for transparency in transactions. As the nation embraces this transformative initiative, the scheme is poised to reshape purchasing behaviors and solidify the culture of informed and responsible buying across the country.
