Transformative Milestone: Finance Minister Inaugurates ‘GST Bhawan’ in Agartala, Tripura
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, marked a significant milestone in the progress of tax administration as she inaugurated the ‘GST Bhawan’ in Agartala, Tripura. The new office complex, dedicated to CGST, CX, and Customs Office, Agartala, Guwahati Zone under CBIC, stands as a symbol of New India’s strength and progress. The project was unveiled during the auspicious Amrit Kaal, amidst the celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, signifying its importance and relevance in the nation’s journey.
The GST Bhawan is strategically situated in the heart of Agartala City, at Mantri Bari Road, providing easy and quick access to all taxpayers. Moreover, its proximity to the newly created Agartala Airport complex, approximately 10 km away, enhances convenience for stakeholders. This modern and well-equipped office complex reflects the government’s commitment to providing seamless services and accessibility for the taxpayers, aligning with the principles of Good Governance and ease of doing business.
The inaugural event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Secretary of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Shri Sanjay Malhotra; Chairman of Central Board for Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Shri Vivek Johri; Members of CBIC, Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal and Shri Alok Shukla; and Chief Commissioner of CGST, CX, and Customs, Guwahati Zone, Shri Yogendra Garg, among other senior officers from CBIC, CGST, and Customs, Guwahati zone.
Addressing the gathering, Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman extended her heartfelt congratulations to the people of Tripura on the inauguration of the GST Bhawan. She emphasized the vital role of robust infrastructure in providing efficient taxpayer services and boosting revenue collection. The new office complex will serve as a one-stop destination for citizens seeking assistance and facilitation in GST-related matters. By increasing accessibility and visibility, it will foster greater engagement between officers and the public, ultimately promoting compliance and a smoother tax ecosystem.
The Finance Minister also highlighted the transformative impact of GST on Tripura’s revenue generation. Before the implementation of GST, the state received only Rs 4.21 crore as Central Sales Tax (CST) in FY 2016-17. In contrast, the state collected an impressive Rs 982.50 crore in IGST during FY 2022-23 from Inter-State trade. This exponential growth in revenue reflects the effectiveness and efficiency of the GST system, driving economic growth and tax compliance.
As the GST Bhawan becomes operational, the Finance Minister underscored the need for continued outreach efforts in collaboration with the State to raise awareness about the benefits of GST. Creating awareness among citizens about the advantages of GST will encourage more people to participate in the tax regime, promoting voluntary compliance and broadening the tax base.
The inauguration of the ‘GST Bhawan’ in Agartala, Tripura, marks a momentous step in India’s journey towards inclusive and efficient tax administration. The modern and accessible office complex stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for taxpayers and ensuring ease of doing business. With the success of GST and the establishment of the GST Bhawan, the nation moves forward in its pursuit of a robust tax ecosystem that fosters growth, transparency, and accountability.
News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh , 25 July 2023
