A heated exchange on social media between prominent entrepreneur and former Infosys CFO T.V. Mohandas Pai and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has sparked renewed public debate over corruption and inefficiencies in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system.

Mohandas Pai took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a strongly-worded appeal to Finance Minister Sitharaman, urging her to listen directly to citizens struggling with the GST registration and compliance process. Pai alleged a rise in corruption, long delays, and bribe-seeking behavior within the system, warning that citizens are “very, very scared to complain” due to fear of retaliation and lack of protection.

“You are our representative as MP and Minister,” Pai wrote, adding, “Our PM @narendramodi promised us a no corruption govt. and you must ensure that this is upheld.”

In response, Sitharaman reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and taxpayer service. She shared a statement from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), saying, “To provide service to the taxpayer is our duty. While serving the taxpayers, transparency and integrity are crucial in earning their trust and confidence.”

She expressed confidence that both the CBIC and its field formations would continue to act with “sensitivity and responsiveness.”

Pai, however, remained critical of systemic issues, urging the Finance Minister to go beyond official narratives and engage directly with citizens who face day-to-day struggles under the GST regime. “Officials are getting more and more powers for rent seeking,” he warned, rejecting what he saw as efforts to shift blame to state governments or a dishonest minority.

The exchange has ignited significant public discussion online, with many echoing Pai’s concerns over bureaucratic hurdles and alleged corruption in GST administration.

Observers note that with general elections looming and public dissatisfaction over compliance processes growing, the government may face increasing pressure to streamline GST services and enforce stricter accountability.

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