In a significant move towards modernising the Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration process, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the approval of biometric-based Aadhaar authentication at GST Seva Kendras for Andhra Pradesh. This groundbreaking development aims to streamline procedures, bolster security measures, and fortify the overall GST ecosystem.
Finance Minister Sitharaman highlighted the positive impact of biometric Aadhaar authentication on the GST registration process. By integrating advanced biometric technology, the government aims to simplify and expedite the registration procedures at GST Seva Kendras, ensuring a more user-friendly experience for businesses in Andhra Pradesh.
The incorporation of biometric authentication is set to significantly enhance the security protocols within the GST framework. With Aadhaar verification, the government aims to minimise the risk of fraudulent activities, ensuring the integrity of the GST system and fostering a more secure environment for businesses and taxpayers.
The Finance Minister reported a remarkable 12% annual growth in GST proceeds for Andhra Pradesh from April to October 2023. The Tirupati Commissionerate alone contributed ₹8,264 crore in GST revenue in FY23, with an additional ₹5,019 crore collected from April to September 2023. Sitharaman attributed this growth to key sectors, including the manufacture of passenger vehicles, cement, and automotive batteries.
October witnessed a noteworthy nationwide surge in GST collections, reaching a 10-month high of ₹1.72 lakh crore. The overall Indian GST collection experienced a 13% year-on-year increase, marking the second-highest revenue collection in GST history. The combined collection by the central and state governments in October amounted to ₹72,934 crore and ₹74,785 crore, respectively.
Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra, speaking at the foundation-stone-laying ceremony of GST Bhavan at Tirupati, urged Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) officers to prioritise addressing taxpayer grievances. This underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring a taxpayer-friendly environment alongside technological advancements.
