Media Release
Mangaluru, May 18: In a dynamic blend of community engagement and fitness promotion, the Mangaluru GST Commissionerate, in collaboration with the FIT India Campaign, organised a Cycle Marathon on Sunday, May 18, marking the countdown to the 8th anniversary of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Held under the theme “GST: Simplifying Taxes; Empowering Citizens”, the event celebrated the successes of GST while also highlighting its role in streamlining business operations, improving compliance, and fostering a transparent tax system in India.
The marathon was flagged off from the Central Revenue Building in Attavara by S Keshava Narayan Reddy, commissioner of central tax and CGST, Mangaluru. The initiative aimed to raise awareness of GST’s positive impact on the Indian economy while promoting fitness and environmental sustainability through cycling.
In addition to the commissioner, key participants included Vaibhav Kiran Pagare, additional commissioner of CGST; assistant commissioners of CGST; and officials from the GST and Customs departments, including retired officers. Members of the Mangaluru Cycle Club, led by its president Anil Shet, and representatives from local trade and industry bodies also joined the event, further strengthening the collective effort to promote GST awareness.
The marathon highlighted several trade-friendly initiatives introduced by the Government of India, such as e-invoicing, simplified compliance procedures, faster GST refunds, and the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN). These measures reflect the government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly and transparent tax environment.
The event brought together participants from diverse backgrounds, celebrating GST’s milestones in promoting tax transparency, boosting compliance, and improving the ease of doing business in India. Since its implementation on July 1, 2017, GST has transformed the Indian taxation landscape by consolidating multiple indirect taxes into a single, unified regime, simplifying processes for both businesses and consumers.
The Mangaluru GST Commissionerate continues to engage proactively with the public, industry stakeholders, and partner institutions through outreach initiatives like this marathon. Such efforts reaffirm the spirit of “Citizen-Centric Governance”, promoting collaboration between the government and citizens to build a transparent and efficient economic system.
Blending policy advocacy, public participation, and fitness awareness, the cycle marathon served as an inspiring prelude to the upcoming GST Day celebrations on July 1.