Excise-Taxation Department building declared unsafe

Neeraj Bagga

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Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 25

The GST, Excise and Taxation Department is housed in a dilapidated Colonial architecture building.

As many as 350 employees and sales tax advocates are scared that many portions of the precarious building can come down anytime. Raised over an acre, the structure has 25 rooms with typical colonial style architecture of high ceilings.

Notably, the PWD Department has already declared the two-storey building is unsafe and unfit to stay. The building is situated on Court Road, a prime location of the city. It has ample parking space and wide access to the main road.

Officials, reluctant to reveal their identity, said, “Scores of sales tax advocates, registered dealers and others visit office in the dilapidated building daily. They leave the place with an impression that the crumbling structure is extremely dangerous and can come down anytime.”

A sales tax advocate said, “At least two halls are required to house two separate bars of advocates. Presently, we have been accommodated in rooms, away from the main building.” He said, “So much land is lying unused on the present premises, but it cannot be used as the office is running from a rented building.”

District Excise and Taxation Commissioner (DETC) Harinder Singh said, “As per norms the government cannot soend money on a rented building.” He said the matter was taken up with Deputy Commissioner Kamaldeep Singh Sangha. “He is pursuing for allotment of a plot,” added the DETC.

“I hope that a plot will be allotted and construction will begin soon,” he said.