Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has issued a clear directive to the state’s Tax, Excise & Narcotics department, urging them to redouble their efforts in bringing all eligible businesses, particularly hotels, restaurants, and resorts, under the mandatory GST registration umbrella. The move aims to further bolster the state’s tax base and revenue collection.
Chairing a recent departmental review meeting in the capital, Mein, who also oversees the crucial department, laid significant emphasis on the need for robust awareness campaigns and outreach programmes. These initiatives, he stressed, should be undertaken in close collaboration with the Arunachal Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ACCI) to effectively educate stakeholders about the manifold benefits and the critical necessity of GST compliance. The meeting thoroughly reviewed the state’s GST collection performance, evaluated existing strategies for improving tax compliance, and explored innovative ways to enhance overall revenue mobilisation. To ensure continuous improvement, Mein called for dedicated monthly performance reviews, with a singular focus on increasing registration numbers and boosting revenue collection.
Highlighting the transformative impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Mein underscored how the unified tax system has successfully eliminated cascading taxes, thereby fostering a more integrated national market. Arunachal Pradesh, he recalled, adopted GST on July 1, 2017, aligning seamlessly with the national rollout. Since its implementation, the state has witnessed a substantial rise in both its taxpayer base and GST revenue. Official figures reveal a remarkable increase of nearly 151 per cent in registered taxpayers, growing from 7,365 in 2017-18 to a robust 18,477 in the current financial year. Similarly, GST collections have seen significant growth, soaring from Rs 227.94 crore in 2017-18 to an impressive Rs 1,825.87 crore in 2024-25, a testament to improved compliance and an expanded tax base.
In the excise sector, the department has also reported robust performance, collecting Rs 299.36 crore in 2024-25, marking a significant 46.62 per cent increase over the previous fiscal year. To further facilitate taxpayers and streamline processes, the department has operationalised 16 GST Seva Kendras (GSKs) at various key locations across the state. These centres are well-equipped with biometric verification systems for Aadhaar-based authentication and physical premise checks, crucial measures to prevent fraudulent registrations and enhance security. Mein reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to modernising tax administration, increasing transparency, and fostering a tax-compliant ecosystem to support sustained economic development across Arunachal Pradesh.
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