Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday said the one-time settlement (OTS) scheme for VAT dues witnessed an overwhelming response with the state receiving 7,845 applications offering to settle Rs 298.39 crore dues. Dues to the tune of Rs 111.16 crore have already been recovered, he added.At the same time, Cheema warned that the relief window would close on March 31. After the expiry of the last date, the government would shift to a strict recovery mode, with nearly 8,000 properties already identified for legal action.He said, “The scheme has already resulted in a total realisation of Rs 111.16 crore. The active participation from Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala and Ropar divisions is commendable. The strong response from these key districts demonstrates a growing awareness of the scheme’s immense financial benefits.”He said the scheme was designed to offer a golden opportunity to settle old VAT liabilities with substantial relief in interest and penalties, enabling businesses to start afresh.