Now, a ‘war room’ in finance ministry to answer GST questions 14 hours a day

The government says GST is the biggest transformation of the taxation system and brings in transparency and economic integration.

Equipped with multiple phone lines and computer systems, a “mini war room” manned by tech-savvy youngsters has been set up in the finance ministry to deal with crises related to the implementation of GST.

A man holds a poster with an anti-GST message printed on it during a sit-in by traders protesting the soon-to-be-implemented tax regime, in Surat. (PTI)

Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) chief Vanaja N Sarna told PTI on Tuesday that the unit will act as a quick resource centre for central and state government officials to address their queries on the historic tax reform scheduled to be implemented from July 1.

“The finance ministry has set up a GST feedback and action room specifically for government officials to approach it with any urgent queries related to problems of GST in any area,” she said.

Sarna said the action room, which will function from 8 am to 10 pm, will provide prompt response to queries.

A team of tech-savvy young officers will be manning the “war room” to assist officials in resolving their GST-related queries, sources said.

The GST will bring the Indian economy under a single tax bracket. It is said to be extremely beneficial to consumers, as it will bring down the price of goods and curb inflation.

It is also said to reduce the delays in tax payments and ensure more stringent checks on the same.