By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, OCT 09, 2024: UNION Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary inaugurated the state-of-the-art Goods and Services Tax (GST) office building in Nangal Raya, Delhi, yesterday. Representing a significant milestone in the government's commitment to improve tax administration and enhance public service, this new facility will serve as the official complex for various CGST Delhi formations.

Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, Member GST, Member Tax Policy of CBIC, Principal Chief Commissioner of CGST Delhi Zone, Principal Chief Commissioner of Customs Delhi Zone, Director General DG Audit and senior officers of CBIC were also present at the inauguration.

In his address on the occasion, Chaudhary emphasised the critical role of GST infrastructure in Delhi, noting that the city's strategic location positions it as a vital transit hub for goods flowing to and from neighbouring states. This underscores the necessity for seamless GST implementation to facilitate efficient interstate commerce.

Chaudhary added that while on one hand the integrated tax system simplified the indirect tax framework and broadened the tax base; on the other, it highlighted the urgent need to enhance the operational capacity of central GST structures.

Chaudhary further elaborated that as a significant contributor to the national exchequer, the effectiveness of GST in Delhi has a direct impact on overall tax revenue and the economic vitality of the country and advised officers to specially ensure in their interactions with MSMEs, that they not only remind them of their obligations but also showcase how the Government is helping them by simplifying tax compliance. The Union Minister of State also advised officers to use simple & clear communication with the taxpayers.

While delineating the modern and advanced facilities installed in the building, the Union Minister of State stated that such modern facilities are not just about accommodating more officials; they are essential for enabling the department to effectively manage the increasing workload, maintain high service standards, and build an efficient tax administration system. He also appreciated that this new facility will save the government Rs 5 crore annually in rental costs - recovering the cost of the building, with interest, in a short period of time.

In his address of the occasion, Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, CBIC, emphasised that over the past 10 years, CBIC has seen large-scale expansion in office and residential infrastructure, which reflects the growth of the department over the years. In the last 10 financial years (2014-24), approvals have been received for infrastructure projects costing over Rs 4,000 crore. Not only have approvals been secured, but the pace of construction on the ground has been unprecedented. He mentioned projects such as NACIN Palasamduram; Office and residential complex at Wadala, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Aggarwal said that all projects are being closely monitored by the CBIC.

While discussing the GST Bhawan at Nangal Raya, Aggarwal emphasised that with its advanced facilities, including air-conditioned offices, modern workspaces and 24x7 security arrangements, it will streamline the work of our officers while offering greater convenience to taxpayers. One of the building's key advantages is its proximity to the taxpayers' jurisdiction as it is located closer to the vibrant and growing tax base of Delhi West & Delhi South, it will allow taxpayers to interact more easily with departmental officials. The newly established GST Suvidha Kendra inside the office building will further enhance this interface, improving both the ease of business and taxpayer compliance, Aggarwal said.