Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 16 September 2023
In an effort to foster greater understanding and compliance with the Goods and Services Tax (GST), an enlightening seminar titled “GST Jagrukta” was conducted on 15th September 2023 in the Seminar Gallery and Conference Hall of Tagore Government College of Education, Port Blair. The event, graced by Ms. Veditha Reddy, IAS, Commissioner of the Union Territory Goods and Services Tax (UTGST) Department in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, marked a crucial step towards enhancing awareness about GST among the local business community.
Ms. Reddy, in her inaugural address, emphasised the need for widespread awareness about GST and its implications across various sectors of the business community. She stressed that a better understanding of GST compliance and the legal provisions concerning offences and penalties under the GST Act of 2017 is vital for both businesses and the government.
During the seminar, Tax Officers and Assistant Commissioners delivered talks addressing the objectives and challenges of GST implementation in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Special attention was given to the penal and legal provisions related to violations of GST laws, including issues such as fake invoices, undervaluation of sales, improper documentation for imported goods, delayed tax payments, and conducting business without proper GST registration.
Mr. Dilkhush Meena, IAS, Additional Commissioner of UTGST, A&N, conveyed a positive message to the trade community by considering them as an extension of the Tax Department, responsible for contributing to government revenues through GST. He encouraged businesses to seek clarification on any doubts or problems they encounter during their GST compliance journey. Mr. Meena also announced plans for organising separate seminars tailored to specific trades in the future.
The event was concluded by Mr. Anand Vardhan Mishra, Assistant Commissioner of UTGST, who reaffirmed the commitment to conducting such seminars on a regular basis, with the aim of strengthening cooperation between the business community and the government in the effective implementation of GST in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The “GST Jagrukta” seminar represents a significant step toward building a more GST-compliant and informed business landscape in the region, ultimately benefiting both businesses and the government exchequer.