Effective steps needed to enhance GST collection: CM

Tribune News Service

Shimla, January 7

Effective steps must be taken to increase GST collection and check tax evasion so that maximum resource generation could be ensured for the state, said Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while presiding over the review meeting of State Excise and Taxation Department here today.

Despite Covid effect, the department collected an amount of Rs 4,703 crores towards government exchequer during the financial year 2020-21 against Rs 5,066 crores during the same period last year.

The Chief Minister stressed on enhancement of departmental enforcement capabilities to detect tax evasion and plug leakages for enhancing state revenue. He directed the department to ensure taxpayers’ ease by initiating regular interaction with taxpayers and creating awareness among them.

He also assured that the department would be adequately strengthened and equipped with all such facilities which are required for effective and efficient tax administration to maximize government revenue.

Thakur said that greater stress must be laid on Legacy Cases Resolution Schemes to dispose of legacy cases by payment of settlement fees. He said that although the last date to opt for this scheme has been extended from September 30, 2020 to January 21, 2021, Rs 72 crore recovered under this scheme till December last was not enough.

He said that a strategy should be chalked out to dispose of legacy cases and achieve target set under the scheme. The department should adopt a proactive approach for revenue enhancement under Goods and Services Tax Act, he added.

The Chief Minister launched the GST FAQ booklet for awareness among taxpayers. He stressed on enhancing professionalism in the department by way of conduct of intensive and adequate training programmes for capacity building under various enactments and to emulate the best practices and models available in the country.

Principal Secretary Excise and Taxation J C Sharma emphasized on regular monitoring of field officers’ performance. He also directed to place special focus on physical verification of e-way bills, compliance of GSTR3B return filing, mismatches in returns filed by taxpayers for enhancement of state revenue.