The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the first-ever National Conference of Enforcement Chiefs of the State and the Central GST Formations in New Delhi, marking a significant step towards improving the operational efficiency and enforcement actions of indirect tax authorities. The event was attended by Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, Revenue Secretary Shri Sanjay Malhotra, CBIC Chairman Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, along with other senior officials and representatives from various enforcement and regulatory bodies.
The Finance Minister lauded the efforts of the GST formations since 2017, highlighting their role in leveraging technology to establish a goal-oriented and effective GST system. She urged all GST officials to continue innovating and leveraging technology not only to address loopholes but also to enhance taxpayer services. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, Smt. Sitharaman advocated for seamless coordination across states to further national interests and called for regular meetings among enforcement chiefs to discuss challenges, share successful strategies, and work towards a more robust tax infrastructure.
The conference focused on various critical aspects of GST enforcement, including GST evasion typologies, the importance of collaborative efforts, the effective use of technology, and strategies for proactively preventing fraudulent behavior. Data presented by the GST Council Secretariat revealed a significant crackdown on fake registrations and bogus billing, with a nationwide effort resulting in the detection of ITC tax evasion worth Rs. 49,623 crore involving 31,512 bogus firms.
State GST formations, including Maharashtra, showcased innovative approaches such as real-time monitoring dashboards for identifying non-genuine taxpayers. Discussions also covered legal and operational challenges faced by enforcement authorities, emphasizing the need for a taxpayer-friendly approach to enforcement, focusing on evidence-based inquiries and minimizing unnecessary audits.
The conference underscored the vital role of technology in combating GST evasion, with GSTN and DG Systems, CBIC, outlining analytical tools available to tax officers. The success of initiatives like GST Seva Kendras in reducing fake registrations and the establishment of a cyber forensic lab in West Bengal for investigating GST frauds were highlighted as exemplary practices.
The positive feedback from the conference established the need for regular experience sharing among enforcement chiefs, with a decision to conduct the National Conference bi-annually moving forward. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to streamlining GST enforcement, enhancing compliance, and making the tax system more transparent and efficient for the benefit of all stakeholders.
