Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday urged senior officials of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to streamline tax administration by accelerating investigations, expediting GST refunds, and simplifying the registration process.
At a high-level review meeting in the national capital, Sitharaman underscored the importance of creating a taxpayer-friendly environment while maintaining a sharp focus on combating tax evasion and fraudulent input tax credit claims. The meeting was attended by principal chief commissioners, chief commissioners, and director generals of CBIC.
The finance minister emphasized prompt resolution of taxpayer grievances and instructed officials to fill vacancies and strengthen administrative efficiency across Central GST and Customs departments.
Officials briefed Sitharaman that GST evasion to the tune of ₹2.23 lakh crore had been unearthed in the current fiscal year so far, with voluntary payments amounting to ₹28,909 crore. The wide gap between the evasion detected and the actual recovery highlighted the need for better enforcement mechanisms.
Sitharaman reiterated that the indirect tax system must align with the broader goal of enhancing ease of doing business and simplifying tax compliance. She urged the department to prioritise deregulation, reduction of paperwork, and administrative reforms as key levers to unlock India’s economic potential.
The minister’s directives echo her Union Budget speech on February 1, where she laid out a reform-driven vision for all sectors, including tax administration.
With these latest directions, the government appears to be doubling down on a balanced approach—easing compliance for honest taxpayers while tightening oversight against evaders.
