Dimapur, April 28 (EMN): Parliamentary Secretary for CAWD & Excise, Dr. Benjongliba graced the awareness campaign on Goods & Services Tax (GST) held at Town Hall, Dimapur on April 28.
Addressing the inaugural function, parliamentary secretary said that GST will be a major improvement over existing system and a significant step towards a comprehensive tax reform in the country. He also stated that the State of Nagaland have been supporting the reform for the last few years and were among the first few states to ratify the constitutional amendment bill on August 26, 2016 which paved the way for the implementation of GST.
After the enactment of the constitutional amendment Act 2016, he said, the state government has been actively engaged with GST Council and GSTN in preparing for its smooth implementation with the rest of the country from July 1.
He observed that if implemented properly GST will bring number of benefits for the state of Nagaland. With the event of GST, cascading of tax due to multiple layers of taxes will be comprehensively eliminated leading to fall in cost of production to traders and industries will have more working capital as seamless input tax credit for the tax paid on previous purchases will be available which will boost the production to compete both in domestic and international market, he added.
Dr. Benjongliba also mentioned that through implementation of GST revenue gain in the state is likely to improve which is important since state must find ways to increase its internal revenue generation to boost the ability of the state to spend on developmental works and the state will also get additional powers to levy and collect tax on services. Reminding the challenges ahead he asked the business communities to align themselves with the new system in order to keep up as any new system is not easy to adopt. He however was confident that the state government will rise up to the challenges in providing all necessary support to all stakeholders in the days ahead.
In regard to internet facilities, which are a concern in some areas, he said that the central government is in process of setting up of 100 mbps satellite link dedicated for the northeastern states which will cater to connectivity issues in remote areas. He also mentioned that the setting up of tax service centres in all offices across the state with computers with trained manpower to assist taxpayers in accessing the system which can be utilised by any taxpayers free of cost to access to GST Portal for tax related issues. He further assured that the state government will leave no stone unturned that there are minimum problem during the change of tax regime.
Chief Commissioner, Central Excise, Custom & Service Tax, Shilling Zone, SK Panda, speaking at the inaugural session, said that with the coming out of GST the taxpayers will have to pay only one tax in place of many taxes. He said that except may be during initial stages, the taxpayers will not require professional help to interpret different laws of taxation as the new tax regime is easier and simpler. He also said that GST more transparent and no human interferance as it is based on internet. Once you have access to GST Network you will be doing all your tax related works setting in your own office, he said.
Panda reminded the gathering that GST is a total Pan-based and all registration will be link to PAN numbers and also encourage the business communities to take up registration.
Commissioner of Taxes, Asangba Chuba Ao who also delivered the welcome address gave a PowerPoint presentation on GST and its benefits. Additional Chief Secretary and Finance Commissioner also spoke during the inaugural function.
