In a virtual stone-laying ceremony on November 16, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasised the Central Government’s dedication to improving infrastructure and efficiency in tax administration. The construction of ‘GST Bhavan’ for the Tirupati CGST Commissionerate reflects this commitment, showcasing the government’s focus on bolstering vital administrative resources.
Sitharaman applauded the positive revenue trends of the CGST and Customs Vizag zone. In support of taxpayers, she announced the approval of biometric-based Aadhaar authentication through GST Seva Kendras in Andhra Pradesh, streamlining processes for a more user-friendly experience.
The Tirupati Commissionerate’s notable GST collection of ₹8,264 crore last year and ₹5,019 crore up to September 2023 highlights significant progress. Sitharaman attributed this growth, a remarkable 300% increase in the GST regime, to key sectors such as the manufacturing of passenger vehicles, cement, and automotive batteries.
Addressing the ceremony virtually, Sanjay Malhotra, Secretary of the Department of Revenue, stressed the synergy between revenue growth and law enforcement. He urged the expedited resolution of matters related to prosecution for a more efficient tax administration.
The event saw participation from Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Zonal Member Vivek Ranjan, and Chief Commissioner (Visakhapatnam zone) Sanjay Pant, underlining the collaborative effort toward enhancing tax administration in the region.