Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 2
Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio told the floor of the House that Nagaland Power & Parliamentary Affairs Minister K. G. Kenye will be attending the GST Council Meeting at New Delhi from September 3 to 4.
He said that all major decisions on GST are taken in the GST Council, which is chaired by the Union Minister and the representative of the state.
He said that the State Tax Department has been working vigorously over the past several months to improve revenue collection. He said that to prevent leakages of GST deductions and collections, it was the State's top agenda. He added that his government has been trying to take corrective measures on GST implementation.
He emphasized the importance of GST as it has been the State's main source of income, and mentioned that no government can survive without paying taxes to the government.
Dr Rio also assured the House for formation of GST Grievances Committee representing the business community, the government and the experts. Optimizing tax revenue is a first step towards self-reliance and towards securing better fund devolution for our resources, Dr Rio said.
Fortunately, we are exempted from property tax, income tax. But in the business, we are doing business, they have to pay this GST tax. Paying tax is new, therefore it takes time. But we should make a habit because no government can survive without revenue collections as tax or as payment for what you get,” Dr Rio said.
The Chief Minister hoped that the people of the state will be more careful and pay GST taxes “so that our state with more revenue received, get more development.” He also urged the public and all the responsible citizens to make a habit of paying GST taxes on time.
