Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 20: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday instructed the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to implement concrete measures aimed at simplifying the GST registration process, expediting Customs and CGST investigations, and curbing tax evasion and wrongful Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims.
Speaking at the CBIC Conclave, the Finance Minister emphasised the importance of using technology and risk-based systems to streamline GST registration, making it seamless and transparent.
She also urged officials to ensure speedy grievance redressal, reduce dwell time at ports, and accelerate refund processing — key concerns especially for MSMEs and exporters.
“GST Seva Kendras and Customs Turant Suvidha Kendras must be accessible, well-maintained and well-staffed to support taxpayers effectively,” she said. Sitharaman directed CGST formations to launch targeted awareness campaigns regarding mandatory documentation for registration and to set up dedicated helpdesks to assist applicants.
The Finance Minister also instructed zonal commissioners to devise action plans to improve efficiency in registrations, refund processing, and handling grievances, and called for swift closure of pending investigations and disciplinary proceedings.
Union MoS for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, also present at the conclave, launched the ICETAB device to cut transaction costs and turnaround time in exports, aiming to boost India’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranking.
CBIC officials shared key performance highlights: the national average GSTR-3B filing rate stood at 94.3% in FY 2024–25, while 85% of refunds were cleared within the 60-day timeline. GST evasion detection touched Rs 2.23 lac cr, with Rs 28,909 cr recovered voluntarily.
The conclave also highlighted that grievance disposal times had dropped to just 9 days on average and no taxpayer was audited more than once in three years.
Sitharaman urged CBIC to fill all vacant posts promptly to enhance field efficiency and called on Chief Commissioners and DGs to contribute practical trade facilitation suggestions to further streamline operations.