GST Bhawan Inaugurated
at Nangal Raya, Janakpuri, Delhi on 8 Oct.
·
Chaudhary
asks CBIC to showcase how the Government is helping taxpayers by simplifying tax
compliance
·
CBIC’s
large-scale expansion in office and residential infrastructure reflects growth of
the department over the years: CBIC Chairman
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, on 8
October, 2024. 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, Mr. 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.
Mr.
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.
Mr.
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 ₹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, Mr. 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 ₹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. Mr. Aggarwal said that all projects are
being closely monitored by the CBIC.
While
discussing the GST Bhawan at Nangal Raya, Mr. 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, Mr. Aggarwal said.