Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called for a tech-driven overhaul of GST registration processes to make it smoother and more transparent. Addressing the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) Conclave, she emphasised leveraging risk-based parameters and technology to reduce bottlenecks for taxpayers.
During the meeting, Sitharaman reviewed the performance of Customs and CGST zones on critical indicators. She directed officials to draft actionable plans for improving GST registration, refund processing, and grievance redressal. Faster, hassle-free registration is a priority, and the FM wants rejections and delays minimised.
One key directive was the launch of targeted awareness campaigns. Taxpayers, trade associations, and industry bodies will receive clearer guidance on mandatory documentation, especially concerning the principal place of business. This move aims to cut down application errors and speed up approvals.
To further streamline the process, Sitharaman instructed CGST zones to set up dedicated helpdesks. These will assist taxpayers during registration, ensuring they navigate the system without unnecessary hurdles. Additionally, GST Seva Kendras and Customs Turant Suvidha Kendras must be fully staffed and maintained for efficient taxpayer support.
Trust is paramount, and the FM stressed resolving grievances promptly. Improved accountability and systems are crucial here. She also highlighted the need to fast-track pending Customs and CGST investigations while analysing gaps between detection and recovery of dues.
Tax evasion and wrongful Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims remain under scrutiny. Sitharaman urged CBIC to tighten checks without burdening genuine taxpayers. At the same time, refunds for GST and Customs should be processed swiftly, particularly for MSMEs and exporters, to boost ease of doing business.
CPGRAMS performance got a nod too. CBIC ranks among the top five Central Ministries in grievance resolution since February 2024. Sitharaman suggested forming dedicated teams to resolve complaints even faster.
On the Customs front, reducing cargo dwell time at ports and ICDs is critical. Faster clearance will enhance India’s trade competitiveness. The FM also pushed for expediting disciplinary proceedings against officials and filling vacant posts to strengthen operations.
Trade facilitation took centre stage as well. Chief Commissioners were encouraged to propose procedural tweaks for smoother compliance. The conclave saw attendance from Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava, CBIC Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, and other senior officials.