Growing Synergy Between Ministry of Commerce and Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance is a Very Good Development for the Economy at Large; There will be Zero Tolerance Against Corruption.: Ms Nirmala Sitharaman
The Minister of State for Finance, Commerce, Industry and Corporate Affairs Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman said that synergy between Ministry of Commerce and Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance which has grown stronger in last couple of months, is very good development for the economy at large. She said that the Commerce Ministry is willing to share its properties lying idle to provide space for the offices of Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax Department in the field. She said that the Government is in favour of trade facilitation in which the role of customs department will be central. Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman was delivering the Valedictory Address on the conclusion of the two day Annual Conference of the Chief Commissioners and Directors General of Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax here today.
A film on Service Tax was also released on this occasion.
The Minister of State for Finance Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman further said that the revenue targets in the case of indirect taxes for the current financial year 2014-15 are challenging but are very much achievable. She said that Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be a reality soon as consultation process with the State Governments is now in final stages She said that GST will result in simple and unified tax structure which will bring transparency and efficiency in tax administration. Ms Sitharaman said that GST will boost revenue collections for both Centre and the States.
The Minister of State for Finance Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman said that the present Government has zero tolerance towards corruption. She said that the Government wants greater transparency, accountability and efficiency in the system including in tax administration.
Ms J.M. Shanti Sundharam, Chairperson, CBEC assured that the officers and staff of CBEC will not leave any stone unturned to achieve the revenue targets fixed for indirect taxes for the current financial year 2014-15.She said that CBEC is in constant dialogue with the Ministry of Commerce to increase its revenue share in International trade. She said that the Board has taken various measures to provide better services to its clients.
Earlier, Shri Najib Shah, Director General, Revenue Intelligence gave a detailed presentation about the proceedings and outcome of the two day conference. ,
The Valedictory Function was attended by Shri Shakti Kanta Das, Revenue Secretary, Members of CBEC and senior officers of Department of Revenue and Central Board of Excise and Customs among others.
Earlier in the day, Dr Prajapati Trivedi, Secretary (PMD), Cabinet Secretariat delivered a lecture on the “Frontiers of New Public Management”.
