Synopsis
On February 22, Tripura's Chief Minister Manik Saha announced the use of modern technologies to enhance revenue collection and improve taxpayer digital awareness during the launch of the GST awareness campaign.Key Takeaways
- Implementation of modern technologies for revenue enhancement.
- Launch of GST Jaagrookta Abhiyan to boost tax awareness.
- Allocation of tax revenues to TTAADC and Urban Local Bodies.
- Upcoming budget for 2025-26 to be presented next month.
- Introduction of the 'Kara Sathi' WhatsApp chatbot for taxpayer assistance.
Agartala, Feb 22 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, announced on Saturday that the state is leveraging modern technologies to enhance revenue streams from various sectors and to boost tax collection. Furthermore, efforts are underway to enhance digital literacy among taxpayers.
During the launch of the ‘GST Jaagrookta Abhiyan’, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of cultivating a taxpayer-friendly environment by upgrading infrastructure and simplifying procedures.
“We aim to improve digital awareness among taxpayers throughout Tripura, making it easier for them to handle tax transactions,” stated the Chief Minister at the inauguration of the GST awareness initiative and the GST Knowledge Center located at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala.
He highlighted that taxpayers are crucial partners in development. Recognizing this, the central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, implemented the GST in 2017.
“For the current financial year (2024-25), the state government has set an annual budget of Rs 27,800 crore. The government has collected Rs 3,700 crore in taxes from various entities including businesses and individuals. Of this amount, 25 percent has been allocated to the TTAADC (Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council) and 10 percent to Urban Local Bodies throughout the state,” Saha remarked.
He pointed out that the previous Left Front government borrowed Rs 13,000 crore from different sources, and the current government is also securing loans from various institutions to meet installment payments and interest obligations while ensuring salaries are paid to employees and pensions to retirees, resulting in substantial budget expenditures.
Saha also mentioned that the annual budget for 2025-26 is scheduled to be presented in the state assembly next month.
During the event, Saha recognized notable taxpayers and officials from various departments, initiated an anti-fake registration campaign, revealed a new logo, and introduced the 'Kara Sathi' WhatsApp chatbot.
