Engage with traders and take systematic steps to meet revenue collection targets: Chief Minister

Lucknow : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a late-night review of the State Tax Department on Tuesday, directing officials to adopt effective strategies for boosting revenue collection. He emphasized the need for well-planned and coordinated efforts to achieve revenue collection targets, encouraging teamwork and active communication with traders.

Highlighting the state’s steady growth in GST and VAT collections, the Chief Minister called for mission-mode efforts to meet the ambitious revenue target of ₹1.75 lakh crore for 2025-26.

He noted that the proactive initiatives of the State Tax Department have delivered significant results, making Uttar Pradesh the leading state in the country for GST registrations. The ongoing awareness campaigns for GST registration are proving highly effective.

The Chief Minister highlighted the significant rise in registered traders, with numbers increasing from 17.2 lakh in 2023-24 to 19.9 lakh in 2024-25. He directed officials to continue expanding the registration base and maintain regular dialogue with traders to encourage compliance.

Emphasizing the importance of filing GST returns, the Chief Minister noted that Uttar Pradesh ranks among the leading states in return filings. He called for sustained efforts to motivate traders to fulfill this responsibility.

With the GST system operating entirely online, the Chief Minister stressed the need to leverage IT tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for data analysis to enhance revenue collection.

He instructed a thorough review of officers’ work and performance, from Commercial Tax Officers to Joint Commissioners, ensuring irregularities in revenue collection are identified and addressed. He also directed that officer grading should be performance-based, influencing their promotions and postings.

To curb tax evasion, the Chief Minister called for an area-wise strategy, intensive training programs, and well-defined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). He asserted that systematic and planned measures are key to effectively preventing revenue theft.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the welfare of GST-registered traders, emphasizing the provision of financial assistance in case of accidental death or permanent disability. Under this initiative, the state government provides up to ₹10 lakh to the nominee or successor of a deceased trader, as well as to traders suffering from partial or complete disability. He directed officials to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive the scheme’s benefits with sensitivity.

Highlighting revenue theft as a national loss, the Chief Minister stressed the need for deploying skilled and dedicated officers in survey and raid teams to curb tax evasion. He emphasized maintaining strict confidentiality for the success of such actions. Noting that Uttar Pradesh’s AI-based return scrutiny system has set an example for other states, he called for continued innovation in tax administration.

The Chief Minister also instructed the department to honor top taxpayers at the state, zone, division, and district levels, recognizing their contribution to economic growth. Additionally, he directed officials to expedite infrastructure development in the State Tax Department and ensure adequate manpower for efficient functioning.