Synopsis
On February 4, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the need for revenue-generating departments to adopt innovative strategies to alleviate the state's economic struggles. He urged officials to enhance income generation while ensuring fairness in tax collection practices.Key Takeaways
- Adoption of innovative methods for revenue generation.
- Emphasis on utilizing technology
- Need to prevent tax evasion.
- Importance of revenue for welfare schemes.
- Regular reviews of income generation strategies.
Amaravati, Feb 4 (NationPress) - The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, urged the state's revenue-generating departments on Tuesday to explore innovative strategies to enhance revenue and take decisive actions to rescue the state from its current economic turmoil.
In a review session at the State Secretariat focused on revenue enhancement, the Chief Minister instructed officials to strive for optimal outcomes to revive the state, which faced financial distress during the YSRCP administration.
Chandrababu Naidu firmly asserted that maintaining a routine approach would not yield the desired outcomes; instead, adopting creative solutions is essential. By leveraging technology, shortcomings in revenue generation can be identified, and officials must work towards boosting government income, he emphasized.
Addressing concerns from the Commercial Tax Department regarding tax evasion by certain individuals, the Chief Minister insisted on ensuring that no instances of tax evasion occur in the future. He also cautioned officials against subjecting business owners to unnecessary harassment.
Highlighting the pivotal role of revenue-generating resources in executing welfare initiatives and development projects, the Chief Minister advised officials to focus on achieving daily improvements in income generation.
With a significant drop in the living standards of the populace attributed to the previous government's policies, the Chief Minister instructed officials to refrain from imposing any new taxes on the average citizen. However, he acknowledged the necessity of exploring additional revenue avenues for better outcomes.
Chandrababu Naidu mentioned ongoing discussions with the central government to secure funding, noting that he spent one hour and 45 minutes explaining the state's dire financial situation to Arvind Panagaria, the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission.
Officials presented a comprehensive overview of the state’s revenue receipts, indicating that the total revenue through commercial taxes for the fiscal year 2023-24 is estimated at Rs 41,420 crore, with revenues so far this year amounting to Rs 41,382 crore.
They projected increased revenue for February and March, alongside an uptick in income from the Excise Department due to new government policies. However, the Mining Department's revenue is below expectations, as reported to the Chief Minister.
Chandrababu Naidu made it clear that he would conduct regular evaluations of income generation, and officials are expected to demonstrate results by fortifying their respective departments. The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Payyavula Kesav and various departmental officials.
