Effective steps needed to enhance GST revenue: CM

Tribune News Service

Shimla, January 8

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

Despite the Covid crisis, the department collected Rs 4,703 crore during the financial year 2020-21 against Rs 5,066 crore during the same period last year.

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

He said that the department would be adequately strengthened and equipped with all facilities required for effective and efficient tax administration to maximise government revenue.

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

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

The Chief Minister launched the GST FAQ booklet for awareness among taxpayers. He stressed enhancing professionalism in the department by way of conducting 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, JC Sharma emphasised on regular monitoring of field officers’ performances. He also directed officials concerned to give special focus on physical verification of e-way bills, compliance of GSTR3B return filing, mismatches in returns filed by taxpayers to enhance the state revenue.