Regular interactions between trade and tax officers will synergise solutions through a positive dialogue: Sitharaman

The Finance Minister praised the project's adherence to high standards of quality and its foresight in providing essential facilities for taxpayers and ample workspace for staff.

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, inaugurated the GST Bhawan, the new official complex for the CGST Udaipur Commissionerate under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), today.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Shri Manna Lal Rawat, MP (LS); Shri Chunnilal Garasiya, MP (RS); Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman of CBIC; Shri Shashank Priya, Member of CBIC; Shri Rajiv Talwar, Member of CBIC; Shri Surjit Bhujabal, Member of CBIC; Shri Mahendra Ranga, Chief Commissioner of CGST Jaipur Zone; and senior officers from CBIC, along with officers and staff from CGST Udaipur Commissionerate and Jaipur Zone.

In her keynote address, Smt. Sitharaman emphasized the economic importance of the Udaipur Commissionerate, highlighting its role in the production of key commodities such as zinc, lead, silver, cement, fertilizer, and tyres. She commended the project for being completed within budget and on schedule, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Finance Minister praised the project's adherence to high standards of quality and its foresight in providing essential facilities for taxpayers and ample workspace for staff. She also acknowledged the efforts of the officers and agencies involved in managing the project and preparing for future infrastructure development.

Smt. Sitharaman reiterated the Government's commitment to enhancing infrastructure for GST Zones and Commissionerates since 2019. She encouraged regular interactions between trade and tax officers to foster collaborative solutions and emphasized the need for swift resolution of GST-related grievances. She also recommended sector-wise outreach programs to identify areas for further reform, advocating for a gradual implementation of GST law with stringent measures as a last resort.

Additionally, Smt. Sitharaman launched ICETAB 2.0, a handheld device designed for customs operations, which will aid in uploading real-time examination reports and expedite cargo clearance.

Earlier, Shri Sanjay Agarwal, Chairman of CBIC, highlighted that the CGST Udaipur building is modern, energy-efficient, and compliant with Government of India’s green building norms. The complex, situated at a prime location in Udaipur, provides convenient access to major districts within the Udaipur Commissionerate and is approximately 2.5 km from the Udaipur Railway Station and 3.5 km from the Bus Stand.