GST Officials Intensify Efforts to Enroll More Traders in Tax System
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Synopsis
On March 23, the Union Finance Ministry launched campaigns to boost GST registration and compliance, with over 2,000 queries addressed and 100 registrations processed in Delhi East, promoting economic growth.
Key Takeaways
- Over 2,000 trader queries addressed.
- More than 100 registration applications processed.
- 200 students served as GST Ambassadors.
- Awareness tools included street plays and pamphlets.
- Campaign aimed at integrating unregistered traders into the formal economy.
New Delhi, March 23 (NationPress) In a bid to expand the nation's tax base, the Union Finance Ministry has initiated outreach efforts through the field formations of the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Commissionerate. These efforts include awareness campaigns aimed at enhancing registration and compliance under the GST framework.
This initiative saw the Delhi East Commissionerate conduct a two-day campaign over the weekend to connect with unregistered manufacturers and traders, educating them on the significance of registering with the GST Department and adhering to legal requirements.
Throughout the campaign, GST officers addressed over 2,000 inquiries from traders, assisting them with the registration process. The drive was notably successful, with numerous unregistered traders stepping forward to voluntarily register their businesses under GST, resulting in the generation of more than 100 registration applications on-site after proper procedures were followed.
To facilitate the registration process, GST helpdesks were established in several local markets to provide answers to queries.
This initiative garnered a positive response from the local trade community, many of whom had previously operated without registration, mainly handling cash transactions, which adversely affects the Indian economy, as stated by officials.
As part of the outreach, 200 students from esteemed universities were appointed as GST Ambassadors to raise awareness during the two-day campaign. These volunteers were closely guided by a dedicated team of GST officers, which included 10 Assistant Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, and over 80 officials.
The students played an active role in disseminating information about GST regulations, assisting traders by visiting shops to explain the process and its benefits. They engaged in door-to-door campaigning and conducted a survey to collect leads for GST officers to follow up on.
In total, they distributed 7,500 pamphlets in Hindi and Urdu that outlined the provisions of GST registration, according to official reports.
A variety of awareness tools were employed, including a public announcement system, skits, street plays, and local campaigns organized by the National School of Drama (NSD) team, all aimed at informing the public about the importance of tax compliance and the repercussions of tax evasion.
“The effective execution of this campaign is a significant step toward increasing GST registration within the unorganised sectors, thus enhancing compliance and contributing to the overall growth and stability of the Indian economy,” stated Pawan Kumar, Commissioner of CGST Delhi East.
The CGST Delhi East Commissionerate plans to continue such initiatives to ensure that all trading sectors are integrated into the formal economy, promoting enhanced transparency, accountability, and economic advancement, he added.
Mahesh Kumar Rustogi, Director General of the Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS), emphasized the necessity of formalizing the economy to achieve the target of a $5 trillion economy by increasing the number of business entities registered under the GST network.
