Uttarakhand has officially started its 25th Statehood Anniversary celebrations with a unique reward program that connects citizens with the state’s revenue system. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the celebrations on Friday by conducting the “Bill Lao, Inaam Pao” (Bring a Bill, Win a Prize) mega lucky draw at the state secretariat in Dehradun. The event marked the beginning of the silver jubilee festivities and highlighted the state’s focus on public participation in governance.
The lucky draw, organised by the State Tax Department, saw 1,888 winners being selected from across Uttarakhand. The biggest prizes — electric cars — went to Sonia from Nainital district and Jaspal Rawat from Tehri district. The winners were chosen through a digital draw system in the presence of officials and invited guests.
Chief Minister Dhami said the initiative has strengthened public trust in the government’s revenue collection system. “This campaign has brought awareness among people and promoted a sense of shared responsibility between citizens and the government,” he said during the ceremony. He also congratulated the winners and encouraged more people to take part in the program.
The “Bill Lao, Inaam Pao” scheme was launched in 2022 to promote tax compliance and consumer awareness. The idea is simple — whenever a citizen makes a purchase, they can upload the bill on the official portal. Each uploaded bill becomes an entry in the lucky draw. By encouraging people to demand bills for every purchase, the scheme helps reduce tax evasion and increase transparency in transactions.
So far, participants have uploaded over 6.5 lakh bills worth around ₹263 crore. According to officials, this has made a huge impact on the state’s revenue system and has helped ensure that taxes collected from the public are properly accounted for.
Chief Minister Dhami explained that this initiative not only motivates people to collect bills but also builds a direct connection between consumers and the government’s financial processes. “It is an example of how citizens can contribute to honest governance just by being aware,” he said.
The mega draw offered attractive prizes to encourage participation. Apart from two electric cars, there were 16 regular cars, 20 e-scooters, 50 motorcycles, 100 laptops, 200 smart TVs, 500 tablets, and 1,000 microwaves, among many other rewards. The event created a festive atmosphere at the state secretariat, reflecting both celebration and citizen engagement.
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During the launch, Chief Minister Dhami also highlighted the state government’s ongoing reforms aimed at boosting investment and improving business conditions. He said Uttarakhand is actively working on Ease of Doing Business and the Annual Business Reform Action Plan to attract entrepreneurs and simplify procedures.
“Our government is committed to fiscal innovation, proper use of resources, and transparent governance,” Dhami said. “These steps are not just about economic development but also about empowering citizens and building a responsible society.”
Officials from the State Tax Department noted that the scheme has become a model for citizen-friendly governance. It helps the government monitor sales transactions more efficiently while rewarding people who contribute to tax honesty. Such initiatives, they added, can also inspire other states to adopt similar approaches.
The Chief Minister emphasised that Uttarakhand’s silver jubilee year is not just a celebration of its formation in 2000 but also a moment to reflect on the progress the state has made in 25 years. From infrastructure and education to tourism and digital governance, the state has seen steady growth. He said the government is working to ensure that development reaches every corner of Uttarakhand — from the plains to the hills.
The launch event also included cultural performances showcasing the state’s rich traditions, music, and dance. Officials and citizens attended the event with enthusiasm, making it a memorable beginning to the silver jubilee celebrations.
The “Bill Lao, Inaam Pao” campaign is a symbol of how simple ideas can lead to meaningful change. By encouraging people to ask for bills, the government has strengthened its tax base and raised awareness about responsible citizenship. The success of the program also shows how technology and transparency can work together to create public trust.
In the coming months, more events and programs are expected as part of Uttarakhand’s silver jubilee celebrations. The state government plans to use the occasion to showcase achievements, launch development projects, and strengthen partnerships between citizens, businesses, and local authorities.
As Uttarakhand enters its 25th year, the “Bill Lao, Inaam Pao” scheme has set a positive tone — blending celebration with civic responsibility. For residents like Sonia from Nainital and Jaspal Rawat from Tehri, who won electric cars, the message is clear: when citizens take part in honest and transparent systems, everyone wins — both the people and the state.
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