Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed the revenue department officials to take strict action if anyone exploit loopholes in the system and siphon off revenue. While conducting a review on revenue departments, he made it clear that the avenues for tax evaders should be closed. On this occasion, he also discussed the necessary measures to increase revenue and explore new ways for revenue.
He also inquired about the department-wise targets and progress made. He advised them to take steps to collect taxes effectively, but not to harass the traders and should be made aware of paying taxes. He advised the officials to analyze the information available since 2017 on tax payments and their policies.
The CM said that the incentives given to those who pay taxes regularly will also be reconsidered. He revealed that opinions from the public will also be collected on the taxes imposed by the government in various sectors. He commented that his government’s goal is to achieve satisfaction from the people.
CM Chandrababu said that if the revenue can be increased, there will be an opportunity to take welfare and development programs further forward. During the review, he spoke to the Joint Commissioners of Commercial Taxes of several districts through video conference.
Speaking to the officials of Chittoor, Kurnool, Kakinada, Anantapur and Nellore districts, he inquired about the collection of GST and taxes. He congratulated the officials who are achieving the targets. The CM commented that the state is currently in financial difficulties and the mistakes made during the previous government’s tenure are the reason for this, and if they are corrected, the difficulties will go away.
He suggested that income from cities like Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada should be increased. Officials brought to the attention of the CM that income increased in the months of April and May compared to last year. They said that GST is also gradually improving. They explained that GST and commercial taxes have increased by up to 5.71 percent.
Officials of the department explained that after the new liquor policy is introduced, income will increase by up to Rs. 2,432 crore. He suggested that satellite information should be used to increase revenue in the mining department, which would increase revenue by 30 to 40 percent.
The CM ordered that officers and staff should be appointed in key departments of revenue departments based on performance and talent. He said that only if the right people are present, the right results will be achieved. He suggested that the departments should work extensively on this.