Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday urged GST officers to combine firmness with fairness—be polite and empathetic to honest taxpayers while acting decisively against evaders. Speaking at the inauguration of a CGST building, she stressed that the next-generation GST must not only simplify rates but also transform the taxpayer’s experience. “There is no iron wall between you and the trader,” she said, calling for proactive trade facilitation and technology-driven grievance redressal.
Sitharaman directed officials to conclude disciplinary proceedings swiftly, asserting that accountability and morale both depend on timely action. “Galat kiya hai toh khair nahi, sahi kiya hai toh koi bair nahi,” she remarked, urging transparency and fairness within the department.
Highlighting reforms, she announced that from November 1, 2025, automatic GST registration within three working days will be available for most applicants—benefiting about 96% of new registrants. She also asked officers to ensure GST Seva Kendras are efficient and accessible.
Citing CAIT data showing a surge in festive retail sales, Sitharaman said recent GST rate rationalisation—reducing four tax slabs to two (5% and 18%) plus a 40% luxury rate—has boosted consumption and reflected meaningful economic impact.
OpinionExpress.In
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