The ‘GST Bhawan’, a project for CGST, CX, and Customs Office under the CBIC in Agartala, Tripura, was inaugurated by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, in the Guwahati Zone. The ministry anticipates an improvement in the revenue collection through the proper infrastructure facilities.
During the speech, the Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman extended her congratulations to the people of Tripura on the inauguration of the GST Bhawan. The minister highlighted the significance of having robust infrastructure that can effectively serve taxpayers, leading to improved revenue collection.
The new building will facilitate common citizens in their GST-related matters and enhance accessibility of officers to the public. Smt. Sitharaman also pointed out the positive impact of GST on revenue generation in Tripura. Before the introduction of GST, the state received only Rs. 4.21 crore as Central Sales Tax (CST) in FY 2016-17, whereas it collected Rs. 982.50 crore in IGST from Inter-State trade in FY 2022-23.
The Finance Minister emphasized the importance of conducting outreach programs in collaboration with the state to create awareness about the benefits of GST and encourage more people to enroll in the system.
Sanjay Malhotra, the Revenue Secretary, emphasized the significance of infrastructure, stating that its creation is relatively easier. However, the more challenging aspect lies in its maintenance and ensuring its effective utilization.
The government is aiming to create a welcoming workplace for both officers and the trade, according to Sh. Vivek Johri, Chairman of CBIC. He emphasised that this is the second GST Bhawan in the region’s North East and that plans for GST Bhawans in three more North East states are currently in various stages of clearance.
According to Shri Yogendra Garg, Chief Commissioner CGST & Customs, Guwahati, GST Bhawan Agartala will address the requirement for the CGST Commissionerate to deliver improved taxpayer services because the number of taxpayers has increased from 1,734 prior to the implementation of GST to over 12,500 taxpayers after six years. He guaranteed that GST outreach projects will be carried out as the finance minister instructed, both in this new office and offshore.
The GST Bhawan Office complex is situated in the heart of Agartala City. The project holds a prime location on Mantri Bari Road, offering convenient access to all taxpayers. It is also conveniently positioned around 10 km away from the recently established Agartala Airport complex.
Despite facing challenges due to two waves of COVID-19, the project was completed on time as per the agreed-upon timelines. The total cost of the project was estimated at Rs. 28 crore. The plot, covering an area of 0.71 acres, features a built-up area of 3,000 square meters or 32,300 square feet, resulting in an average construction cost of Rs. 93,333 per square meter or Rs. 8,668 per square foot.
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