Daily Current Affairs : 25-August-2023

In a significant move to promote transparency and accountability in consumer transactions, the Government of India is joining hands with state governments to launch the ‘Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar’ Invoice Incentive Scheme. This initiative aims to instill a culture of requesting invoices or bills for all purchases among consumers. The primary goal is to induce a profound cultural and behavioral shift, where citizens view asking for a bill as not just a preference but as their inherent right and entitlement.

Understanding the ‘Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar’ Scheme
  • Launching Date and Pilot States
    • The ‘Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar’ Scheme is set to commence on September 1, 2023.
    • Initially, it will be launched as a pilot project in the states of Assam, Gujarat, and Haryana, along with the Union Territories of Puducherry, Dadra Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu. This allows the government to test the waters and fine-tune the program before a nationwide rollout.
  • Eligibility and Participation
    • All business-to-consumer (B2C) invoices issued by suppliers registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system to consumers will be eligible for this incentive scheme.
    • Importantly, all residents of India, regardless of their state or union territory, will be eligible to participate in this scheme.
  • User-Friendly Platforms
    • To participate in the scheme, consumers can upload their invoices through the user-friendly ‘Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar’ mobile application, available on both IOS and Android platforms.
    • Alternatively, invoices can also be submitted via the web portal at ‘web.merabill.gst.gov.in’. This ensures accessibility for a wide range of users.
  • Incentive Criteria
    • Invoices with a minimum value of Rs. 200 will be considered for the lucky draw.
    • An individual can upload a maximum of 25 invoices per month through the mobile app or web portal to be eligible for the lucky draw.
    • For each uploaded invoice, an Acknowledgement Reference Number (ARN) will be generated, which will serve as the entry for the prize draw.
  • Fair Prize Selection
    • Winning invoices will be chosen through a random draw at regular intervals, which could be on a monthly or quarterly basis. This method ensures fairness and equal chances for all participants.
  • Pilot Duration
    • The ‘Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar’ Pilot Scheme is scheduled to run for a duration of 12 months. This period allows for comprehensive evaluation of the scheme’s impact and effectiveness.

Important Points:

  • Scheme Objective: Encourage customers to ask for invoices/bills for all purchases.
  • Aim: Bring about cultural and behavioral change, making it a citizen’s right to ask for a bill.
  • Launch Date: September 1, 2023.
  • Pilot States: Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, Puducherry, Dadra Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu.
  • Eligibility: All B2C invoices from GST-registered suppliers to consumers across India.
  • Submission Options: Mobile app (‘Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar’) for IOS and Android, and web portal (‘web.merabill.gst.gov.in’).
  • Minimum Invoice Value: Rs. 200.
  • Maximum Monthly Submissions: 25 invoices per individual.
  • Acknowledgement Reference Number (ARN): Generated for each uploaded invoice, used for prize draws.
  • Prize Selection: Random draws conducted at regular intervals (monthly/quarterly).
  • Pilot Duration: 12 months.
Why In News

In a collaborative effort, the Government of India is set to introduce an innovative ‘Invoice Incentive Scheme’ titled ‘Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar,’ in partnership with various State Governments. This initiative aims to empower citizens by rewarding them for diligently preserving their invoices while fostering transparency in financial transactions.

MCQs about Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar Scheme

  1. What is the primary aim of the ‘Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar’ Invoice Incentive Scheme?
    A. To reduce the cost of consumer goods.
    B. To encourage customers to ask for invoices.
    C. To promote online shopping.
    D. To increase government tax revenue.
    Correct Answer: B. To encourage customers to ask for invoices.
    Explanation: The main objective of the scheme is to encourage customers to ask for invoices or bills for all their purchases.
  2. In which states and union territories is the ‘Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar’ Scheme initially being launched?
    A. Delhi, Rajasthan, and Goa.
    B. Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
    C. Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, Puducherry, Dadra Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu.
    D. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
    Correct Answer: C. Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, Puducherry, Dadra Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu.
    Explanation: The scheme is initially launched as a pilot in these states and union territories.
  3. What is the minimum invoice value required for consideration in the lucky draw under the scheme?
    A. Rs. 100
    B. Rs. 200
    C. Rs. 500
    D. Rs. 1000
    Correct Answer: B. Rs. 200
    Explanation: Invoices with a minimum value of Rs. 200 are considered for the lucky draw.
  4. How often are the winning invoices selected for the ‘Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar’ Scheme?
    A. Annually
    B. Weekly
    C. Monthly or Quarterly
    D. Randomly
    Correct Answer: C. Monthly or Quarterly
    Explanation: Winning invoices are picked by a random draw at regular intervals, which can be either monthly or quarterly, ensuring fairness in the selection process.

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