The 77th Independence Day was celebrated by the CGST & Central Excise Department at GST Bhawan in Nungambakkam. The National Flag was hoisted by Mr. Mandalika Srinivas, Principal Chief Commissioner of CGST & Central Excise, Tamilnadu & Puducherry Zone, Chennai. Then the National Anthem was played. The Principal Chief Commissioner delivered an inspiring speech about India’s Independence and the role and performance of the GST Department in contributing to the financial robustness of the country. He drew attention to the exceptional performance of the Chennai GST Zone in the recent past.
The Chennai CGST Zone, with 8 Executive, 3 Audit and 3 Appellate Commissionerates, is the third largest Indirect Tax Revenue yielding State in India. Tamil Nadu has about 7% of the GST-Taxpayers in the country who contributed 8.12% of the national GST revenue. Pondicherry, a Union Territory, also contributes substantial Revenue. The GST revenue for the Chennai Zone consisting of Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry was 21% higher in FY 2022-23 compared to its revenues in FY 2021-22. For the current financial year, as on 31/7/2023, our GST Revenue was Rs. 19,179 crore, an increase of about 19% (Rs.3,007 crore) over the corresponding period in 2022-23. For the month of July 2023 alone, Tamil Nadu’s growth in GST revenue was 19%, the highest in the country. If this trend continues, Tamil Nadu is likely to overtake Maharashtra and Karnataka, who are presently ahead of the State.
Impetus for the GST growth in the State owes a great deal towards taxpayer facilitation measures undertaken by the Department as well as due to increasing compliance by registrants. Return-filing by taxpayers, for example, has improved significantly, touching 96% in June 2023. Thanks to software tools such as Netrikann, use of bulk voice messages and emails and persuasive action by Officers of the Department, Tamil Nadu has experienced increased revenue flow. Data Analytics has in fact a critical role in areas like Audit, special drive against fake registrations and enforcement, which have together yielded recovery of revenue of over Rs.1000 crore during the last financial year.
Trade facilitation measures have included monthly Open House meetings for the MSME Sector, workshops for women entrepreneurs, e-Invoicing facility, Outreach programs on the recommendations of the 50th & 51st GST Council Meetings, launch of the GST Doctor App (on https://www.microsoft.com/store/productId/9PM2SRHLML5N) to help taxpayers reconcile and internally audit their Returns so as to avoid inadvertent errors and so on. Besides, booklets containing FAQs pertaining to e-Invoices (bilingual), GST Audit of one’s business and even the role and responsibilities of GST Officers have been published for the benefit of all.
Mandalika Srinivas also drew attention to the WhatsApp communication facility on 9444402480 for instant receipt and response/resolution of all genuine grievances, and on 9445898686 as a 24x7 taxpayer service and also a dedicated email so as to receive feedback/grievances at cz-feedback@gov.in. He also informed that a Grievance Committee co-chaired by Central and State GST Authorities have been formed in addition to the Joint Meetings currently in place. One of the highlights of the Independence Day celebrations was the launch of Pratidin by the Principal Chief Commissioner, which is an I.T Module for monitoring the disposal of key result areas of work and to ensure prompt taxpayer service.
The Welfare Measures undertaken for the staff were also outlined, such as the launch of creches in all Commissionerates of the Zone, the installation of a roof-top solar power system and refurbishment of the canteen at the Nandanam Complex and the honour conferred by the Finance Minister to the outstanding GST Officers such as Shri. Paritosh Vyas, Deputy Commissioner, Shri. Milan Tewari, Inspector and Shri. Daniel Arputha Raj, Administrative Officer and to distinguished sportspersons such as S. Nandha Kumar, national footballer. He complimented the Officers for having successfully conducted the 34th All India Central Revenue Cultural Meet titled Kalai Koodal. The Commissioner (Chennai Outer), Commissioner (Appeals-I), Additional Director General (Systems) and other senior Officers and the entire Staff of the GST Bhawan participated in the function.