The 4Th anniversary of introduction of GST, the GST Day, 2021, was marked by Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and every one its field offices across India here today. The national level programme was organised by CBIC through virtual mode on the digital platform for the users.
GST with Improved revenue collections for last 8 months has been instrumental in building an Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. The year marked enhanced taxpayer facilitation with COVID-19 relief packages being announced to ease the burden of compliance. As a part of the programme 31 officers were awarded with the GST Day commendation certificate across all zones and to at least one officer posthumously. On Occasion of GST Day 2021, Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said that it's a matter of great satisfaction that we've overcome most challenges, including two waves of unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, in providing stability to the present new tax regime. The minister of finance was happy to notice the buoyant tax collections which crossed Rs. 1 lakh crore for eight months during a row with record GST collection of Rs. 1.41 lakh crore in April, 2021. the improved revenue collection in recent times should now be called as the “new normal, She added.
Smt. Sitharaman appreciated CBIC effort in recognising quite 54,000 GST taxpayers for his or her contribution to nation building on the eve of 4 years of implementation of GST. Taxpayers facilitation during pandemic involved two COVID-19 relief packages covering late fee waiver, rate of interest reduction,relaxation of timelines and conducting refund drives to reinforce liquidity within the hands of taxpayer. Further, GST rates on vaccines, important medicines and goods/services used for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 were also reduced.
The minister of finance condoled the loss of 189 personnel and remembered their contribution to the national effort and noted the trouble of CBIC in releasing a book “Shraddhanjali” to pay homage to those departed souls. Smt. Sitharaman also congratulated all awardees of ‘Commendation Certificate’ for his or her exceptional contribution in GST administration.
In his communication, Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs Shri Shri Anurag Singh Thakur exhibited gratitude towards the trade and industry, specially MSMEs, whose continuous support and feedback has helped the Government in steadily improving GST laws, procedures and systems over last four years. Shri Thakur condoled the loss of the many precious lives from the GST family to COVID-19 pandemic. Shri Thakur congratulated all officers selected for commendation certificate for his or her dedication, diligence and therefore the spirit of serving the state .
In his virtual message played during the programme, Shri Bibek Debroy, Chairman, Prime Minister EconomicAdvisory Council, highlighted that GST may be a add progress which is improving by each passing day. GSThas hamper on sizable amount of indirect taxes, brought down litigations and removed inter-state restrictions.During programme, video messages of influential personalities from various fields were also played in the programme .
Chairman CBIC Shri M. Ajit Kumar acclaimed the efforts of CBIC officers in helping taxpayers during the pandemic and use of technology to make sure minimum physical interaction. CBIC effort in recognizing more than 54,000 GST taxpayers for his or her contribution to nation building may be a testimony to the very fact that their support to GST is imminent. CBIC Members highlighted the self-regulation done over the past years in GST processes and encouraged the officers to reinforce the utilization of technology. Sh. Vivek Johri, Member GST appreciated the DGARM reports and MIS generated which is employed by field formations to extend revenue collections.
