Saxena writes to Kejriwal for action against GST evaders

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 19

Lieutenant-Governor VK Saxena on Monday wrote a letter to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal advising him to ask the Finance Minister to hold a detailed inquiry in alleged GST evasions and tighten tax administration.

Delhi has achieved “inglorious distinction” of recording the highest tax evasion in the country. In all, 483 “bogus firms” were detected, which accounted for Rs 3,028 crore of tax evasion, Saxena said in his letter.

“It is indeed dubious that the Capital of the country tops the list of tax evasion amongst all states and union territories, with the one on the second place behind Delhi, by as much as Rs 827 crore. This is a serious matter in which the possibility of collusion of officials in the GST department cannot be ruled out,” he wrote in the letter.

Saxena advised the CM to direct the Finance Minister to hold a detailed inquiry in the matter and assess the root cause of such tax evasions.

“This not only reflects poorly on the state of tax governance in the national capital, but also results in a huge loss to the public exchequer. This resource could have been meaningfully utilised for investments in public interest,” the LG said.

Referring to the report of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, released in January, he said the report for the third quarter brings out shocking facts about the extent of tax evasion prevailing in Delhi.

“I trust that you will personally take interest in the matter and apprise me of the efforts being made to tighten the tax administration in the city,” he stated.

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