Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged GST officers to maintain a polite and empathetic approach towards honest taxpayers. Speaking at the inauguration of the new GST Bhavan in Ghaziabad, the Finance Minister emphasized the need for tax officers to facilitate ease of doing business and ensure smooth registration and grievance redressal.

Sitharaman called on officials to expedite the approval of registrations and focus on resolving taxpayer issues efficiently. She stressed that officers must use technology and regional initiatives to enhance trade facilitation and reduce compliance burdens.

The Finance Minister also directed that strict action be taken against fraudulent taxpayers, but with due adherence to the law. “Officers should deal courteously with honest taxpayers while taking firm legal action against evaders,” she said.

Highlighting the importance of trust between the tax administration and businesses, Sitharaman remarked, “There should not be a wall between the department and traders. Instead, there should be a window for constructive dialogue and cooperation.”

She further added that such an approach would improve taxpayer confidence and enhance the overall experience of tax compliance.

Read More: Thiruvananthapuram Customs Foils 7 Smuggling Attempts; Seizes Gold, Cigarettes, Luxury Watch