Is There a Potential Breach of GST Data and Unauthorised Selling?

Synopsis
Maharashtra's Leader of the Opposition, Ambadas Danve, has raised alarms over potential breaches of GST data confidentiality, urging the Union Finance Minister to conduct an immediate investigation. With growing concerns over unauthorized data sharing, Danve emphasizes the need for stringent measures to protect taxpayer information and maintain trust in government institutions.
Key Takeaways
- Ambadas Danve calls for an investigation into potential GST data breaches.
- Concerns over unauthorized access to sensitive taxpayer information.
- Need for stricter internal controls and protective measures.
- Impact on trust in government institutions highlighted.
- Importance of safeguarding taxpayer rights and privacy.
Mumbai, May 12 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Ambadas Danve, has urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to investigate a possible breach of GST data confidentiality and the unauthorised sharing of sensitive information.
In a formal letter, Danve called for an immediate, high-level inquiry into this issue, emphasizing the need to identify and penalize any individuals or groups found responsible. He also stressed the importance of reinforcing internal controls to protect data confidentiality and issuing advisories to ensure the effective safeguarding of taxpayers’ information.
Danve expressed hope that swift and strict measures would be taken to uphold the integrity of the system and to protect the rights and privacy of diligent taxpayers.
“Recently, following the completion of a client’s GST registration and the issuance of the registration certificate, there was an unexpected increase in unsolicited phone calls from various banks seeking to open current accounts in the firm's name. This sudden influx of calls, immediately after the GST registration, raises serious concerns about the unauthorised access and misuse of sensitive taxpayer data,” Danve stated.
He further pointed out that GST data is meant to be strictly confidential as per the provisions of the GST Act and related regulations.
“It is extremely concerning to see that such sensitive information seems to be reaching third-party entities without the taxpayer's consent. This raises strong suspicions that certain officials within the GST Department may be unlawfully selling or leaking this data,” Danve asserted.
“Additionally, there are fears that competitors might also gain access to confidential customer information, jeopardizing fair business practices. This situation not only represents a severe breach of privacy but also erodes the trust that citizens place in government institutions. Such violations must be addressed with the utmost seriousness,” he concluded.
He reiterated the need for a comprehensive investigation into this potential breach of GST data confidentiality.