Himachal CM inaugurates Tax Haat programme

Tribune News Service

Shimla, January 21

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur inaugurated the Tax Haat Programme of the state Tax and Excise Department here today. He said it is a pioneer system for improvement in tax adherence as queries of all stakeholders would be resolved through it in a stipulated time period.

The establishment of Tax Haat was a 2021-22 budget announcement, which had been fulfilled today. The government had provided many concessions to businessmen in GST and for lump sum tax payment, limit had been increased from 50 lakh to 1.5 crore under composition scheme, Thakur maintained.

He said keeping in view the difficulties faced by businessmen during Covid, the government had provided relaxation in time limit for filing returns. He also appreciated the officials of the Tax and Excise Department and said due to their effort, the revenue of the state had increased from Rs 11 crore in 1974-75 to Rs 7,044 crore in 2020-21.

The Chief Minister also released the logo and launched the Twitter and Facebook page of the department on this occasion. A book on its 51-year journey was also released.

Additional Chief Secretary JC Sharma said under the Tax Haat Programme, time-bound redressal of problems of all stakeholders in three phases would be ensured. Through the online medium, taxpayers could raise their queries on the department website, which would be resolved by the officers concerned within a stipulated period, Sharma stated.

He said complaints, issues and queries would be redressed by the department from time to time by establishing a direct communication with the taxpayers at the district and zonal level.

Moreover, a businessmen facilitation cell had been established in the department to take up the issues of stakeholders at the higher level. The GST Council and the facilitation cell, along with its recommendations on policy matters, would send suggestions through online and offline modes.

The Tax and Excise Department has established Tax Facilitation Centres at district level where businessmen may get their problems resolved. A Grievance Redressal Portal has also been started through the Mukhyamantri Seva Sankalp for the resolution of grievance of businessmen under which grievances could be registered at phone number 1100.

Concessions to bizmen

The government has provided many concessions to businessmen in GST and for lump sum tax payment, limit has been increased from Rs50 lakh to Rs1.5 crore under composition scheme. — Jai Ram Thakur, Chief Minister

About The Author

Tribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.

#JaiRamThakur