Commemorating the implementation of the GST regime, Visakhapatnam CGST Zone celebrated the 6th Anniversary of GST recently in Visakhapatnam, under the aegis of the flagship program, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and G20 Summit.

Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, Dr. Justice K.Manmadha Rao, Judge of High Court of Andhra Pradesh, opined that there should be a fine balance between trade facilitation and enforcement.

Only trade facilitation or enforcement is not good for the nation and department, said the Chief Guest and sought further simplification of tax structure while promoting economic growth and ease of doing business.

Earlier, Mr. P. Sreeram, Principal Commissioner of Central Tax, Visakhapatnam CGST Committee, noted that GST has enormously grown in terms of tax collection and informed that the total tax collection during the year 2017 was Rs. 87,000 crores, whereas for FY 2022-23 an average of Rs.1,50,000 crores was collected per month.

Congratulating staff and taxpayers on GST day Mr. Sanjay Pant, I.R.S. Chief Commissioner of Central Tax & Customs, Visakhapatnam Zone said that GST is 6 years old in India, however, it all started in the year 1954 in France which was then followed by many other countries in the world. 

‘The 6 years’ journey of GST in India has been remarkable and we have a long way to go with a robust mechanism’ said Mr Pant. As part of the GST day top taxpayers from large, Medium, and Small scale industries were felicitated during the meeting. Similarly, officers of the Department were awarded with commendation certificates.

Principal ADG, DGGI, Mr. M.R.R.Reddy, IRS was also present on the occasion. Mr. Ravi Kiran Edara, IRS Additional Commissioner of Central Tax, Visakhapatnam CGST proposed the vote of thanks.