Employees of GST Department have started ‘selling’ Sales-Purchase data, accuses Industrialist
The Whistleblower pointed out that numerous agents are now approaching businesses, offering monthly access to competitors' data at minimal costs
Business owners in Ludhiana are raising alarms over the ease with which their sensitive sales and purchase information is becoming accessible. Allegations have emerged that certain employees within the GST Department are leaking this data to competitors in exchange for money. We're already battling a recession, and now we have to deal with the fear that our confidential data isn't safe,...
Business owners in Ludhiana are raising alarms over the ease with which their sensitive sales and purchase information is becoming accessible. Allegations have emerged that certain employees within the GST Department are leaking this data to competitors in exchange for money.
We're already battling a recession, and now we have to deal with the fear that our confidential data isn't safe, said Badish Jindal, president of the Federation of Punjab Small Industries Association ( FOPSIA ) and All Industries Trade Forum.
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Some GST Department staff are reportedly selling our sales and purchase data to rivals. Previously, agencies in Delhi would charge around ₹20,000 for such information, but now local agents in Ludhiana are offering it for as little as ₹1,000, he added.
He pointed out that numerous agents are now approaching businesses, offering monthly access to competitors' data at minimal costs. A lot of this data is available on the GST Department's website, making it easier for insiders with access to leak it, he alleged.
Echoing these concerns, Lalit Shorey, vice-president of the Oil Mill Manufacturers Association, shared his personal experience. Competitors are undercutting our prices after accessing our sales and purchase records. Industries like auto parts are also suffering, as their clients are being poached by parties in Delhi. The government needs to intervene, or we'll face significant troubles, he said.
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Recently, industrialists from Industrial Area C convened to oppose this emerging issue. They expressed frustration that while they trust the government to safeguard their data, lax security within the GST Department is leading to login details being shared with unauthorised individuals like accountants and clerks, resulting in leaks.
When approached for comment, Punjab's Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Varun Rujam, stated to The Tribune that he was not aware of such incidents. If businesses are facing these issues, the department will conduct checks at the district level. Any specific cases should be brought directly to my attention, he assured.
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