Modi said the taxpayer's money was being properly utilised and whatever was collected was given back to the people in different forms.
Published Jan 16, 2024 | 8:39 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 16, 2024 | 8:39 PM
An image from the NACIN inauguration function in Andhra Pradesh. (Supplied)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, 16 January, said a lot of tax reforms were brought in during the last 10 years resulting in record tax collection.
Modi was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN) in Palasamudram in the Sri Satyasai district of Andhra Pradesh. The institute is spread across 503 acres.
Modi said the taxpayer’s money was being properly utilised and whatever was collected was given back to the people in different forms.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for bringing the institute to the “backward district” of the state.
Modi also visited Sri Veerabhadhra temple in Lepakshi in the district.
For all those who are devotees of Prabhu Shri Ram, Lepakshi holds great significance. Today, I had the honour of praying at the Veerbhadra Temple. I prayed that the people of India be happy, healthy and scale new heights of prosperity. pic.twitter.com/VDTSdrMpCS
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 16, 2024
“Several reforms were brought in in the tax system during the last 10 years. Earlier, there used to be different tax systems which common citizens found difficult to understand. Due to lack of transparency, honest taxpayers and business people were being troubled,” Modi said.
In the form of GST, the country got a modern tax system in place, he said adding that the Union government also simplified the Income Tax system.
Pointing to the introduction of a “faceless tax assessment” system in the country, Modi said due to these reforms today in the country record tax collection is being witnessed.
According to him, Lord Ram is an example of good governance in social life and he can be an inspiration for NACIN’s whose role is to give a modern ecosystem to the country.
“Even Mahatma Gandhi acknowledged the truth in the concept of Ram Rajya. It signifies a society where everyone’s voice is heard, equality is upheld, and justice prevails. Lord Ram used to say that being a citizen of Ram Rajya means fighting for justice, treating everyone equally, and adhering to Dharma,” said Modi.
“The NACIN’s role is to provide a modern ecosystem to the country which will ease trade and business in the country,” Modi said.
The prime minister also claimed that his government has uplifted 25 crore people from poverty.
Meanwhile, Sitharaman said that the institute will provide training to IRS officers in the country.
“Similar to Mussoorie for IAS and Hyderabad for IPS, NASIN will provide training for individuals selected for the Indian Revenue Services (IRS). I thank both governments (Union and state) from 2014 and 2019 for their cooperation in completing the project,” she said.
NACIN is an apex institute of the government of India, which imparts capacity building in the field of indirect taxes and offers training to officers from various countries in customs, drug laws and environment protection.
It is also the World Customs Organisation’s (WCO) Regional Training Centre for Asia-Pacific while the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has designated NACIN as a collaboration centre for capacity building in the field of environment protection.
Further, the premier training institute under the administrative control of the Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC), Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance would also impart training on drug law enforcement to personnel of various Asian countries.
NACIN Palasamudram will supplement existing such institutes located in Ranchi and Raipur, among others.
Andhra Pradesh Governor Abdul Nazeer also attended the function.
(With PTI inputs)
