‘New Mindset Is Needed’: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Urges GST Officials to Redefine Approach, Work Towards Developed India by 2047
During the inauguration of the new CGST Bhawan in Ghaziabad, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called on tax officials to embrace a new mindset and work collectively
‘New Mindset - FM Nirmala Sitharaman - GST Officials - Work - India by 2047 - taxscan
‘New Mindset - FM Nirmala Sitharaman - GST Officials - Work - India by 2047 - taxscan
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday urged officials of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) department to adopt a new and forward-looking mindset. Speaking at the inauguration of the new Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Bhawan in Ghaziabad, she called on officers to be more prompt, accountable, and citizen-friendly in their approach to taxpayers.
Sitharaman said that India needs a modern tax administration that reflects the spirit of a 21st-century nation. She reminded officials that they must leave behind the habits and attitudes of the pre-GST and early GST years. “A new mindset is needed. Do not carry the pre-GST or first-generation GST era mindset. Have your eyes on a 21st century India,” she said.
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The finance minister also highlighted the importance of teamwork and commitment to national goals. “Officials must look into the acute need for us to work together so that by 2047, India can be a developed country,” she said. She added that a laidback approach will not help the nation achieve this vision and urged the officials to act with energy and purpose.
Emphasizing the need for trust-based tax administration, Sitharaman asked officers to treat taxpayers with dignity and fairness. “They should feel that they are honourably treated as they are the taxpayers to the nation. If there are bad sheep among taxpayers, follow the protocol to catch hold of them. But don’t look at everybody with suspicion,” she said.
The minister also announced reforms aimed at simplifying the GST system. From November 1, a new registration process will allow automatic approval within three working days for most applicants. This move is expected to benefit 96 percent of new GST applicants. Sitharaman said that GST help centres across the country should be accessible and well-staffed to provide timely assistance to taxpayers.
She reminded officials that they are accountable to the people and that their role is crucial in building a transparent, efficient, and supportive tax environment. She said the ultimate goal is to make life easier for honest taxpayers and encourage voluntary compliance.
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