New Delhi: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, inaugurated the first-ever National Conference of Enforcement Chiefs of the State and the Central GST Formations today in New Delhi. The conference brought together key figures from both state and central GST authorities to discuss emerging challenges, share best practices, and strategize on the way forward.
The event was graced by the presence of Union Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary; Shri Sanjay Malhotra, Secretary, Department of Revenue; Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), along with other senior officers from the Department of Revenue, GST Enforcement Chiefs, and representatives from various enforcement agencies.
Addressing the gathering, Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman applauded the continuous efforts of GST formations at both the state and central levels since the implementation of GST in 2017. She emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency of tax authorities, plug loopholes, and provide better services to taxpayers.
The Finance Minister advocated for innovation and the sharing of emerging best practices among states, stressing the need for seamless coordination across the country. She highlighted the significance of regular meetings among enforcement chiefs to discuss obstacles, exchange successful strategies, and collectively work towards building a robust and harmonious tax infrastructure.
Smt. Sitharaman also urged officials to address classification-related issues promptly through appropriate channels and encouraged engagement with stakeholders to enhance compliance and transparency. She commended the efforts made under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi over the past decade in cleansing and making systems more effective.
Union Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, praised the initiative of organizing the conference, stating that it would streamline various issues related to indirect tax enforcement and help develop strategies for upcoming challenges. He hailed GST as a significant reform in India, simplifying indirect taxation and contributing to the ease of life for the citizens.
Chaudhary credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman for India’s economic journey from the “fragile five” in 2014 to a top-five position today. Expressing optimism, he anticipated achieving a monthly target of Rs. 2 lakh crore in GST revenue soon.
Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra emphasized the crucial role of enforcement in ensuring the success of the GST system. He outlined key priorities, including targeting high-risk areas, combating tax evasion, balancing enforcement with taxpayer rights, and strengthening collaboration between central and state authorities.
CBIC Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal highlighted the challenges posed by fake entities and GST evasion, emphasizing the importance of strong data analytics and technology in staying ahead of perpetrators. During the conference, presentations were made by GST formations, showcasing the nationwide crackdown on fake registrations and bogus billing, resulting in significant detections of tax evasion.
Thematic sessions addressed issues such as GST evasion typologies, collaborative efforts, and the effective utilization of technology. The delegates discussed strategies to combat fake invoicing and associated issues like money laundering and identity theft. The conference provided a platform for in-depth discussions, fostering collaboration and sharing best practices in GST enforcement.
The conference marks a pivotal step towards strengthening the GST system, promoting transparency, and ensuring fair competition in the Indian economy.
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