Tax officers undergo refresher training to boost GST collection

DIMAPUR — Commissioner of State Taxes, Nagaland, Abhinav Shivam, on Monday said that the dynamic nature of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) requires officers to stay updated, well-trained, and alert to the nuances of reforms and policy changes that occur with remarkable frequency.

Highlighting the urgency, the commissioner noted that Nagaland lags behind in GST collection, both in average and per capita terms, with revenue leakages due to evasion affecting the state's share, making this training crucial and timely.

Shivam was delivering the keynote address at the launch of a five-day GST refresher and training programme for Nagaland State Tax officers, held at the Commissioner of State Taxes office in Dimapur.

The training is held in collaboration with the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics (NACIN), Zonal Training Institute, Shillong.

He noted that Nagaland's complex history, characterised by geographical challenges, remoteness, infrastructure issues, and political intricacies, has led to underdevelopment and hindered the growth of revenue-generating industries and enterprises.

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Maintaining that Nagaland relies heavily on tax revenues to meet its financial and developmental needs, Shivam stressed that optimising tax collection is not just an administrative objective but also a developmental imperative.

He informed that despite various constraints, the department is making steady and strategic progress, stating that over the past eight months, they have focused on capacity building, and between February and May 2025, recovered over INR 10 crore in revenue arrears, reflecting tightened enforcement efforts.

While emphasising enforcement and systems, the commissioner highlighted the importance of addressing the perception challenge, noting that citizens should recognise that taxes fund the state's extensive infrastructure, roads, and development projects.

“Today marks not just the start of a training programme, but a renewed commitment, introspection, upgrading, and rededication to become the custodians of compliance, the torchbearers of transparency, and the guardians of Nagaland’s financial future,” he added.

Additional Commissioner of NACIN, Shillong, Issac R Kharkongor, pointed out that the training was initiated at the request of Nagaland's Commissioner of Taxes, underscoring the priority given to capacity building for tax officials.

Kharkongor emphasised that while the training serves as a refresher, it's valuable for both seasoned and new officers, as continuous learning and skill upgrades benefit everyone, regardless of experience level.

Kharkongor noted that fieldwork pressures can disconnect officers from laws, procedures, and best practices, but this training provides a valuable opportunity to refresh, recharge, and return to their roles more informed and confident.

Additionally, the NACIN official pointed out that confidence in rules and laws is paramount for taxation officers, enabling them to enforce regulations assertively and without hesitation.

He further underscored that tax officers' work enables developmental projects nationwide, including in Nagaland, and this contribution should be a significant source of pride and satisfaction for them.