Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman delivered a virtual address during the Bhoomi Pooja and Foundation Stone laying ceremony of GST Bhavan, Tirupati CGST Commissionerate. This new establishment signifies the Central Government’s commitment to bolstering infrastructure and enhancing efficiency in tax administration.
The event was also attended virtually by Shri Sanjay Malhotra, Secretary, Department of Revenue, along with esteemed dignitaries such as Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC); Shri Vivek Ranjan, Zonal Member, CBIC; Shri Sanjay Pant, Chief Commissioner CGST & Customs, Vishakhapatnam Zone; Shri Shishir Bansal, ADG, CPWD Hyderabad Region, and other senior officers from the Department, State Government, and Trade and Industries.
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated the CGST and Customs Vizag Zone for the Bhoomi Pooja and emphasized the need to continue positive trends in revenue earning. She announced the approval for biometric-based Aadhar authentication through GST Seva Kendras in Andhra Pradesh. The Tirupati Commissionerate showcased commendable GST Revenue collections of Rs. 8,264 crore last year and Rs. 5,019 crore up to September 2023, showcasing remarkable growth, particularly in the manufacturing sectors of passenger vehicles, cement, and automotive batteries, reflecting a 300% growth in the GST regime.
During his address, Shri Sanjay Malhotra appreciated the Bhoomi Pooja ceremony and encouraged the speedy resolution of matters related to law enforcement and revenue growth. He urged a focus on grievance redressal mechanisms for taxpayers. Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal commended the departmental officers’ hard work and highlighted CBIC’s efforts in creating infrastructural assets for officer welfare. He emphasized the importance of curbing tax evasion and fake Input Tax Credit (ITC) to bolster Government revenues.
Shri Vivek Ranjan highlighted the significant growth of the Tirupati Commissionerate’s revenue and taxpayer base over the years. The Commissionerate’s contribution to zonal revenue collection has notably increased, demonstrating its vital role in facilitating economic activities and ensuring compliance. The construction of the new office building of Tirupati CGST Commissionerate, estimated at Rs. 36.11 crore, will be completed in 18 months by CPWD. The structure will house various offices including Tirupati CGST Commissionerate, Audit Circle, Customs Preventive Division, and others.
This new establishment promises to provide an advanced workspace for dedicated officers and enhance the overall taxpayer experience, further contributing to economic facilitation and regulatory compliance in the region. Chief Commissioner Shri Sanjay Pant reiterated the focus on revenue growth and infrastructure development, emphasizing the significance of such initiatives.
During the event, Chairman CBIC and other dignitaries presented Chandrayan models to school students, symbolizing the commitment to inspire and educate future generations on behalf of the Union Finance Minister.