Nagaland marks GST Day, felicitates top contributors

‘GST has integrated Nagaland into India's economic growth narrative’

DIMAPUR — The Office of the Commissioner of State Taxes Nagaland, in collaboration with the Commissioner of Central GST Dimapur, hosted the GST Day 2025 celebration at the office’s conference hall, Taxes Colony, Dimapur, on Tuesday.

This year's celebration, themed ‘GST: Simplifying taxes; empowering citizens,’ marked eight years since the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax, a groundbreaking reform that unified India's indirect tax structure, a DIPR report stated.

The GST Day celebration in Nagaland reaffirmed the collective commitment to a fair, efficient, and citizen-friendly tax environment.

Additional Commissioner of CGST, Sashi Wapang Lanu, in his introductory address, said that Nagaland joined the rest of the country in celebrating the 8th anniversary of the GST with a special event marked by a strong message of progress, empowerment, and inclusion.

Addressing the business community, GST officers, and central and state officials, he termed GST as a ‘game-changer’ for Nagaland, a state with distinct geographic and economic challenges.

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Lanu noted that GST has integrated Nagaland more closely with India's economic growth narrative, highlighting the key benefits the region has gained from the tax reform.

He highlighted that the Northeast, including Nagaland, saw a remarkable GST revenue growth rate of around 27% annually from 2017 to 2023, far surpassing the national average of 14%.

In a historic milestone, India recorded its highest-ever monthly GST collection of INR 2.37 lakh crore in April 2025, with Nagaland contributing its second-highest collection to date during the same month, the official said.

Due to its small industrial base, Nagaland's economy traditionally had limited tax revenue sources. However, the destination-based nature of GST has redirected more tax revenues to consumer states like Nagaland, empowering it with a higher proportion—up to 70%—of its tax revenue. This increased fiscal strength is now being directed toward vital sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education, he added.

Lanu further said that GST has integrated Nagaland into the national economic mainstream by digitalising tax processes, improving compliance, and creating opportunities for youth. NACIN's upcoming certificate course in Shillong will train local practitioners as ‘GST Mitras,’ boosting outreach and employment prospects across the state, he said.

Concluding the address, he described GST as more than just a tax reform—it is a testament to India's cooperative federalism and Nagaland’s commitment to self-reliance and inclusive economic development.

Short speeches were delivered by awardees during the programme, namely Rohan Abraham, Jesmina Zeliang, and representatives from Symbios Creations Pvt. Ltd., who shared their experiences with GST compliance and appreciated the digital transparency it offers.

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The key feature of the celebration was the distribution of certificates recognising exemplary service and compliance.

Special Commissioner of State Taxes, Mhathung Murray, in his closing remarks, commended the awardees for their smart and ethical business practices, describing them as “shining examples” of timely tax filing and compliance.

“Your remarkable feats serve as an inspiration to fellow business owners and will help promote a culture of prompt and voluntary tax compliance across the state,” he said.

The recognition not only celebrates the achievements of the awardees but also aims to encourage a broader movement of responsible tax contribution.

The department expressed hope that many more taxpayers would follow in the footsteps of this year’s winners, contributing actively to nation-building through honest and proactive tax practices.

The programme was chaired by Deputy Commissioner of State Taxes (Hq.), Tokatoli Sohe.

The event brought together officials, stakeholders, taxpayers, and members of the public to reflect on the journey and impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India.

GST was formally implemented on 1st July 2017, following the passage of the Constitutional Amendment Act in September 2016. It has since evolved into a more transparent and streamlined tax system, replacing multiple indirect taxes across states and fostering a unified national market.