Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Felicitates CBIC Officers for Record GST Collection in Northeast India

GUWAHATI: In an investiture ceremony held in Guwahati, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman felicitated 29 officers and staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) for their Specially Distinguished Record of Service. The prestigious Presidential Award recognized their exemplary performance in various fields of service. During the ceremony, Sitharaman praised the northeastern states of India for their remarkable success in GST collection and devolution, as indicated by the 2023 RBI report on state finances.

Northeastern states have proven to be shining examples of GST growth, with a remarkable 27.5% compounded annual increase, according to the recent RBI report on state finances. Assam, in particular, stood out as the first state to ratify the GST Act just four days after its passage, leading to a twelvefold increase in tax collection. Sales tax revenue in Assam has surged from Rs 558.26 crores before the GST implementation to an impressive Rs 7,097 crores.

Highlighting the achievements of the northeastern states, Sitharaman emphasized that their success in economic growth was evident in becoming the fastest-growing economies. The government's focus on all sectors and providing equal attention and stimulus has yielded positive results. The Finance Minister acknowledged the possibility of inflation pressure, especially on agricultural and perishable goods. She reassured that the government was taking efforts to ensure these goods remained available at affordable rates.

“According to the 2023 RBI report on state finances, the eight Northeast states have registered a compounded annual GST hike of 27.5 per cent. Assam was the first state to ratify the GST Act, four days after it was passed and since then there has been a 12 times increase in the collection of taxes. Assam's sales tax collection prior to the implementation of the GST was Rs 558.26 crores but this has increased manifold to Rs 7,097 crores,” the Union Finance Minister said.

Nirmala Sitharaman embarked on a two-day visit to Assam and Tripura, where she attended the inauguration of the GST Bhavan in Agartala alongside Union Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary. The team of ministers also visited the Integrated Check Posts at Srimantpur during their visit.

The ceremony served as a tribute to the dedication and outstanding service of the CBIC officers and staff, further promoting the spirit of excellence and efficiency in tax administration. As the northeastern states continue to thrive in GST collection, their success story becomes an inspiring example for other regions to follow, ensuring India's momentum of growth remains steady.

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