The Karnataka government aims to collect ₹1,10,000 crore for 2024-25. By October's end, ₹58,773 crore has been collected, necessitating an average monthly collection of ₹10,200 crore to meet the goal
Published Oct 29, 2024 | 8:19 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 30, 2024 | 1:00 PM
Officials to be held accountable for missing commercial tax targets: CM Siddaramaiah
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued a stern warning to officials regarding the commercial tax collection targets, stating that those who fail to meet these benchmarks will be held accountable.
During a review meeting, Siddaramaiah emphasised that the state must not fall short in tax collections under any circumstances.
The Karnataka government has set an ambitious target of ₹1,10,000 crore for the financial year 2024-25.
As of the end of October, the state has managed to collect ₹58,773 crore, which includes ₹44,783 crore from Goods and Services Tax (GST), ₹13,193 crore from Karnataka Sales Tax (KST), and ₹797 crore from Professional Tax.
This means the state has achieved 53.5 percent of its target, reflecting a year-on-year increase of ₹5,957 crore.To meet the yearly target by March, an average collection of ₹10,200 crore per month is necessary over the next five months.
Siddaramaiah highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts in achieving these goals, stating, “Achieving the target is essential for the state’s development.” He also announced that he would conduct monthly reviews of the progress and reiterated that any official not meeting the targets would face accountability.
Additionally, the Chief Minister noted that the Kar Samadhana scheme is expected to contribute an extra ₹2,000 crore to the state’s coffers.
In a parallel review of the Excise Department’s tax collection, the target for 2024-25 has been set at ₹38,525 crore. As of 28 October, the department has collected ₹20,237 crore, achieving 52.53 percent of its target, an increase of ₹1,301.15 crore compared to the same period last year.
Siddaramaiah instructed the Excise Department to implement strict measures against illegal liquor smuggling from Goa to ensure targets are met by the March deadline. He further warned that any complaints of corruption within the department would be addressed firmly.
The meetings were attended by key officials, including Additional Chief Secretary L.K. Atheeq, Commercial Tax Commissioner C.A. Shikha, and Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
