By Admin 
Nirmala Sitharaman To GST Officials: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday that GST officials should behave politely and sympathetically with honest taxpayers. He also called upon the officials to grant speedy registration approvals, use technology for grievance redressal and bring ease of doing business through regional units.
Nirmala’s instructions
The Union Minister told the GST officials that there is no iron wall between you and the businessman, there is just a gust of wind. Understand the problem and don’t complicate it. Speaking at the inauguration of the CGST building in Ghaziabad, he said that disciplinary proceedings against officials of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) should be completed on time. This will send a clear message that any kind of misconduct, dereliction or unethical behavior will not be tolerated.
The Finance Minister also made it clear that humility does not mean compromise with laws and rules. He said that honest taxpayers should be treated respectfully but follow the standard procedures laid down to bring the ‘bad guys’ within the ambit of the law. Don’t look at everyone with suspicion. Dishonest taxpayers will not be given any relief.
Sitharaman further said that the ultimate goal of tax administration is to make life easier for honest taxpayers. For this, GST officials should follow the prescribed standard procedures and show more empathy and courtesy. He said that it is important that you remain humble. The next generation GST is not just about rates, categories or simplification. This should make the taxpayer feel different.
GST officials should be polite
The Union Finance Minister also asked GST officials to use technology and risk-based standards to reduce the compliance burden on taxpayers seeking registration. He clarified that he does not want anyone at the regional level to put the responsibility on the taxpayer. Use technology to analyze the situation and contact the taxpayer only when necessary. Do not put the paperwork burden on the taxpayer.
Also, the Minister said that the root cause of the problems repeatedly arising in the Central GST areas should be found. Speedy disposal of disciplinary cases strengthens accountability in the organization and removes the perception among the public of apathy or protectionism towards officials. Their motto should be: ‘If you do wrong then there is no harm, if you do right there is no hatred.’
Lastly, Sitharaman said that pending GST investigations should be completed with prompt, reasoned and evidence-based orders and the cost of litigation should be reduced.
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