How GST Officers Can Boost Business with a Positive Approach: Insights from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

What can the effective implementation of GST contribute towards business development? Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reveals some of the following.

In a special speech, at the inauguration of the constructed GST Bhawan in Hiran Magri, Udaipur, the Union Minister of Finance and Company Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman underlined the need and proper working of GST. She pointed to the fact that the relationship between the officers and the taxpayers should be fostered and at all times be most supportive of the business climate. 

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These Offices are Made Convenient for Everyone

Since 2019, the necessary steps have been taken to make the locations of the GST offices more comfortable and available for taxpayers. Particularly, Sitharaman pointed to the situation that the infrastructure within the country has been upgraded which means the taxpayers will have no difficulties spending less time resolving their problems regarding the GST affairs. 

Promoting a Positive Atmosphere

The Finance Minister emphasized the need for a “positive demeanor” in the GST officers while dealing with the taxpayers. That is why she insisted on the helpful attitudes of the officers to avoid situations that would require certain actions. Officers should maintain a positive approach towards the taxpayer so that there is no cause to take such steps Sitharaman said. She said this will help in addressing the immediate issues in the GST Council, which hence will be beneficial for taxpayers and the ecosystem.

It is an added advantage to have an opportunity to have the issues of the taxpayers solved in the shortest time possible without having to write so many letters.

Sitharaman also explained that it goes contrary to the principle to initially delay responses to taxpayers’ issues to ensure that minor doubts do not turn into considerable issues. She said that GST officers should be more aggressive in helping taxpayers, which will have a positive impact on business activities.

Udaipur’s Contribution to GST

Emphasizing the role of Udaipur in terms of the economy, Sitharaman pointed out that the cement, tires, fertilizers, and minerals industries are vital in terms of GST revenue. She stressed the need to ensure efficiency in the taxation of those industries to support the above call. 

Other Dignitaries Speak

There were also speeches from CBDT Chairman, Sanjay Agarwal, member of parliament Manna Lal Rawat of Udaipur, and Rajya Sabha member Chunni Lal Grasiya who all emphasized the need to foster a positive environment for the taxpayers. 

Visit to Shrinathji Temple

Earlier in the day, while addressing a rally in Nathdwara town of Rajsamand district, Sitharaman said that the Congress had ‘betrayed’ the people of Rajasthan.

Sitharaman’s policy goals target the effective implementation of GST and nurturing the right attitude among officers to enhance the correct perception between the government and taxpayers to build up business and prosperity of the country.