The government has appointed Shri D.P. Nagendra Kumar as a Member (Technical) of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT), marking a significant addition to the institution’s bench strength with a seasoned and decorated officer of the Indian Revenue Service.
A 1985-batch officer of the IRS (Customs & Central Excise), Shri Kumar brings with him nearly four decades of experience in indirect taxation and public policy. During his illustrious career, he served in various senior capacities, including as Principal Chief Commissioner of GST in Karnataka and as Member (GST) in the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
Shri Kumar holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Bangalore University and a degree in Law from Ambedkar Law University, Chennai. His blend of administrative experience and academic credentials has made him a key figure in the evolution and implementation of GST in India.
Notably, Shri Kumar was instrumental in establishing the country’s first Large Taxpayer Unit (LTU) in Bengaluru in 2006 and contributed significantly to the rollout of similar units across India. He also played a pivotal role in the drafting of the Model GST Law as a member of the Law Drafting Committee formed by the Government of India, working in close coordination with the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers.
He was also a member of several key committees under the Empowered Committee (EC) framework, including the Committee on Dual Control, Exemptions, and Thresholds. Furthermore, his contributions extended to training and capacity building for officers from both the Centre and the States in GST law and implementation.
Shri Kumar was involved in several strategic initiatives under the GST Council, including committees on the seamless movement of goods and taxation of services provided and received by government entities.
Following his retirement, he continued to contribute to policy matters and was nominated by the Finance Minister as a member of a high-level committee to suggest measures for boosting investments in Private Equity and Venture Capital funds in India. He has remained active in policy advocacy and capacity-building efforts post-retirement.
In recognition of his outstanding service, Shri D.P. Nagendra Kumar was conferred the prestigious Presidential Award of “Certificate of Appreciation for Distinguished Record of Service” on Republic Day, 2009.
His appointment is expected to bring valuable experience and technical expertise to the GST Appellate Tribunal as it takes on the critical task of resolving disputes under India’s comprehensive indirect tax regime.
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