Surbhi News
Shimla, 25 September
In a proactive move to enhance tax compliance at the grassroots level, Poonam Thakur, HPRS Assistant Commissioner, State Taxes and Excise, Himachal Pradesh, held an informative and interactive session with elected representatives of local bodies, including Panchayat Secretaries. ERs of Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Secretaries of District(s) Shimla, Sirmour & Solan were imparted at PRTI Mashobra (Craignano), Shimla. The event was aimed at raising awareness about the critical role of local bodies in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime and the legal responsibilities that come with their involvement in public procurement.
Addressing the gathering, Poonam Thakur stressed the importance of timely GST registration for local bodies, particularly when engaging in the procurement of taxable supplies, whether goods or services. She emphasized that under the GST Act, any local body or Panchayat that procures taxable goods or services exceeding ₹2.5 lakh in value must deduct Tax Deducted at Source (TDS). This provision is essential for ensuring transparency and accountability in public expenditure and maintaining compliance with national tax laws.
She outlined the procedures for TDS deduction and filing, explaining how it ensures proper flow of tax revenue to the government, which can be utilized for public welfare schemes. The Assistant Commissioner also assured the representatives that the State Taxes and Excise Department would provide all necessary guidance and support to ensure smooth compliance with GST rules, reducing the complexities local bodies may face in understanding the provisions.
The session also included a detailed discussion on the consequences of non-compliance, including potential penalties, and how GST registration aids in the seamless functioning of local administrative bodies. She encouraged the representatives to actively spread this information within their jurisdictions to promote a better understanding of the law.
The elected representatives and Panchayat Secretaries participated actively in the discussion, raising questions about specific scenarios related to their procurement processes. Poonam Thakur addressed these concerns, offering practical solutions and assuring continuous support from the department. She also announced more such training programs for Panchayat officials and local bodies to ensure they are well-equipped to meet their GST obligations.
The session concluded with a commitment from the representatives to ensure full compliance with GST regulations and to foster greater financial transparency in local governance. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Himachal Pradesh State Taxes and Excise Department to strengthen tax compliance across various levels of administration, ultimately contributing to the state’s fiscal health.