The Income Tax Practitioners Association of Amritsar has raised serious concerns about the Income Tax e-filing portal, and now tax practitioners in Punjab are demanding immediate solutions. They explained that constant glitches and slow performance make it nearly impossible for taxpayers and professionals to file returns on time. With deadlines approaching, frustration is growing across the state.

Gaurav Gupta, president of the Amritsar association, explained that technical failures caused major disruptions during the filing season. He said the problems hurt both practitioners and taxpayers who want to follow the law but cannot do so because of a faulty system. Gupta added that if the Finance Ministry ignores their demands. And the association will join forces with groups in Jalandhar and Chandigarh to file a writ petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The association has already written to the Finance Ministry. They highlighted recurring problems such as portal crashes, long loading times, and frequent timeouts, especially during peak filing days. They also reported incorrect pre-filled data, which forces tax professionals to manually correct errors, increasing the risk of mistakes.

Another big issue is poor support. Helpdesks set up for users rarely respond, and complaints often remain unresolved for weeks. This has created delays and left taxpayers vulnerable to penalties and extra interest charges. Many practitioners argue that such fines are unfair when the faults lie within the government system.

To address the crisis, the association has suggested four key steps. They want an independent system audit to uncover problems, a special grievance redressal team with representation from associations, extensions of filing deadlines until the portal runs smoothly, and accountability for officials responsible for the failures.

The impact of these technical problems goes far beyond inconvenience. Delayed or incorrect filing can damage compliance, burden families with financial penalties, and discourage honest taxpayers. The association argues that fixing the portal is not just a technical upgrade, it is a responsibility to ensure fairness in public service.

Tax filing in India already causes stress for many individuals and businesses. Adding portal errors only increases the pressure. Extending deadlines and providing proper support could help ease the process while the system is improved.

This push by the Amritsar association reflects the collective voice of taxpayers across the state. They want a system that works efficiently, supports compliance, and respects their efforts. In the coming weeks, discussions with the Finance Ministry, or even legal action, could decide the future of the portal.

In conclusion, the stand taken by the Amritsar association shows that tax practitioners in Punjab are fighting for fairness, accountability, and better service. Their demand is clear: create a reliable e-filing portal so taxpayers can meet obligations without unnecessary obstacles.

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This year’s floods created massive damage across the state, and now Punjab plans to manage Swan River with a new project in the Ropar district. The Punjab Government has asked the drainage department to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for channeling the Swan and is also exploring the possibility of building a dam.

The Swan River has long been troublesome. Once called the “river of sorrow” for Una district in Himachal Pradesh, it now threatens Ropar district in Punjab. While Himachal authorities already channelized a 70-km stretch of the river and 600 tributaries to protect Una, the redirected waters now flood large areas of Punjab.

This year, during peak monsoon, the Swan pushed nearly 90,000 cusecs of water into the Sutlej, more than the usual releases from the Bhakra Dam. The overflow severely impacted Ropar and spread into the Nawanshahr and Ludhiana districts.

Gurtej Singh Garcha, Executive Engineer of the Drainage Department in Anandpur Sahib, confirmed that the DPR process has started. Education and Public Relations Minister Harjot Singh Bains also emphasized its importance. He said the project will reclaim farmland in Ropar and shield farmers from recurring floods. Officials will also assess whether a dam on the Swan is feasible.

Bains explained, “If a dam is constructed, floodwaters during the monsoon can be stored. This would protect downstream regions along the Sutlej.” Once the DPR is ready, the Punjab Government plans to seek central funding for the project.

The Swan River starts in the Dhaulatpur area of Una, Himachal Pradesh, and flows about 40 km through Ropar before joining the Sutlej near Anandpur Sahib. Historically, the British and later the Indian government considered a dam on the Swan alongside the Bhakra project. Surveys were conducted, but financial priorities favored Bhakra-Nangal, and the Swan project was shelved.

This year’s floods renewed calls to regulate the Swan and its tributary, the Sirsa River. Without regulation, flood risks remain high in several districts, including Ropar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, and Ferozepur. Experts argue that dams on both rivers could reduce flood risks, protect farmland, and save lives.

Residents also fear that climate change may worsen flood intensity. They want long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes. Environmentalists add that a properly designed dam could also provide irrigation water and boost groundwater recharge in dry months.

In summary, Punjab plans to manage Swan River not only to control floods but also to protect farmers, improve water management, and ensure safer living conditions for thousands of people across the region.

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Chandigarh is buzzing with discussions after Chandigarh man highlight problems with E20 fuel . Local rally driver Ratan Dhillon shared how E20 petrol damaged a friend’s luxury Ferrari. He said the car stopped working just days after being filled with the new blend. According to technicians, the problem came directly from the E20 fuel.

Ratan explained that E20 petrol, which contains ethanol, easily absorbs moisture from the air. If the car stays unused for a few days, water separates inside the tank. This can stop the engine from starting. He stressed that supercars and high-end vehicles are the most affected, yet few people speak about it openly.

Frustrated, Ratan questioned the fairness of the situation. He said owners spend crores on cars, pay high taxes, and then face costly damage. He even tagged Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in his post, asking if the government would take responsibility for these issues.

The Indian government introduced E20 petrol nationwide in 2023, five years ahead of schedule. Officials promoted it as a cleaner alternative that reduces carbon dioxide emissions and supports farmers who grow sugarcane and maize. However, while the government celebrated this achievement, many vehicle owners began worrying about its effects on engines and fuel efficiency.

Responding to criticism, Mr. Gadkari dismissed negative claims as “paid politically motivated campaigns.” Speaking at the SIAM convention in Delhi, he defended E20 fuel, saying it improves the environment and increases farmer income. He also reminded people that the Supreme Court had already rejected petitions against E20.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas later admitted that mileage may drop slightly. For cars, it could fall by 1-2%, while other vehicles might see a 3-6% drop. Still, they stressed that E20 petrol does not pose safety risks. They advised drivers to replace older rubber parts after 20,000-30,000 kilometers to avoid wear and tear.

Experts point out that ethanol has a higher octane number than standard petrol. This makes E20 useful for modern engines with higher compression, as it can improve performance and ride quality. For many users, the experience may depend on the type of vehicle they own.

Meanwhile, car owners in Chandigarh and other cities remain divided. Some welcome E20 as a modern, eco-friendly step, while others fear expensive repairs. Discussions continue on social media, with drivers sharing personal experiences, both good and bad.

In conclusion, Chandigarh man highlight problems with E20 fuel has sparked a wider debate. While the government aims to support farmers and cut pollution, many citizens want reassurance that their vehicles, especially high-end models, will not suffer. More clear guidance and long-term testing may help build confidence among car owners across India.

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