GST seva raths a hit among traders

Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 24

GST awareness seva raths, started by the Department of Excise and Taxation Department, have received an overwhelming response as traders thronged the markets in a large number to seek answers to their queries regarding the new taxation system.

The awareness seva raths today visited the Sector 20 market and two places in the Industrial Area - one near Chandigarh Sweets and another near Khukhrain cold store - as part of an awareness drive regarding the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The traders availed the opportunity and posed a number of questions before officials. Most of the questions were related to the status of the old stock and input tax credit (ITC).

A majority of the traders expressed fear that they will face the difficulty in the new system, which was allayed by the officers. Some of the traders also wanted to know the conditions for obtaining the ITC. Excise and Taxation Officers RL Chug and Sanjeev Madan answered the queries at both places.

Industrialists also wanted to know the taxation system after the introduction of the GST. One of the traders in Sector 20 asked what will happen if he makes a wrong entry in the books, to which Madan replied that it could be rectified easily. Another trader asked how many returns one has to file in the new system. Pamphlets were also distributed among the traders.

GST ‘mitras’ also noted down the queries on the spot. VP Singh Badnore, Governor of Punjab and UT Administrator, had flagged off GST awareness seva raths on Friday to facilitate the trading community all over Chandigarh and redress their issues regarding the GST on the spot.

Queries made by traders 

One of the traders in Sector 20 asked what will happen if he makes a wrong entry in the books, to which Madan replied that it could be rectified easily. Another trader asked how many returns one has to file in the new system. Pamphlets were also distributed among the traders.

Places visited

The awareness seva raths on Saturday visited the Sector 20 market and two places in the Industrial Area - one near Chandigarh Sweets and another near Khukhrain cold store - as part of an awareness drive regarding the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Hi-tech raths equipped with LEDs

These hi-tech raths have been equipped with latest technologies such as LEDs for generating awareness among traders and pamphlets carrying material on the GST. Deputy Commissioner Ajit Balaji Joshi said GST awareness seva raths would cover 60 different destinations all over Chandigarh in the next 20 days. These raths would be on wheels from 10 am to 8 pm, moving in two different directions.

What traders say

Traders learnt a lot from the new initiative taken by the Excise and Taxation Department regarding the GST. — Mohinder Singh, trader

This is a welcome step to reach the doorsteps of traders to make them aware of the GST as it is difficult for them to spare time from their busy schedule. — Jatinder Singh, trader

It is a welcome step by the Administration. It should inform the traders a day before raths reach their destination. The number of experts to answer the queries should also be increased. — Charanjiv Singh, trader

The awareness rath is an eye-opener event for them as officers clarified several doubts regarding the GST, which will help them in filing the return easily. — Vijay Goyal, trader 

Starting GST raths is unique concept and is convenient for traders. The Administration should also start a helpline number for traders. — Ramkaran Gupta, trader

The move to start raths is helping traders in understanding the new concept. The Administration should hold regular interactions with traders on the issue. — Harish Garg, trader