The chief minister proposed integrating data from taxpayers, the GST portal, the Andhra Pradesh State Data Center, and the Andhra Pradesh Commercial Taxes Department (APCD) with AI systems.
Published Apr 10, 2025 | 9:34 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 10, 2025 | 9:34 AM
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. (X)
Synopsis: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to fully leverage AI to augment the state’s revenues. He stressed the need to boost resources, which the state desperately requires. He reminded officials of the government’s commitment to implementing welfare and development programmes.
For the cash-strapped Andhra Pradesh government, artificial intelligence (AI) tools appear to be a godsend. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to fully leverage AI to augment the state’s revenues.
The chief minister was happy to learn that the Excise Department’s cash registers recorded revenue of ₹4,330 crore between October 2024 and March 2025 — a 33 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
During a review of the performance of revenue-generating departments at the state secretariat in Velagapudi, Amaravati, on Wednesday, 9 April, the chief minister urged officials to crack down on tax evaders and ensure the state treasury receives its dues without any shortfall.
He stressed the need to boost resources, which the state desperately requires. He reminded officials of the government’s commitment to implementing welfare and development programmes.
Naidu instructed officials to identify new revenue sources, investigate grey areas where income is underreported, and address these issues effectively. He stressed that the entire process — from tax payments to issuing receipts and notices — should be conducted online.
The chief minister highlighted that AI tools have identified over a thousand builders in the state who have not registered despite obtaining occupancy certificates from the Municipal Administration Department.
He made it clear that government approvals should only be granted to those mandatorily registered under GST. He further suggested using AI to detect tax evaders and recommended implementing similar measures across all revenue departments for efficient tax collection.
Naidu also noted that technology is simplifying tax payments and permit processes for businesses, a benefit that must be clearly communicated to them.
“Unlike the previous government, the current coalition administration will not harass businesses. Instead, it will work with a spirit of collaboration to ensure taxes are paid in accordance with regulations,” he said.
The chief minister proposed integrating data from taxpayers, the GST portal, the Andhra Pradesh State Data Center, and the Andhra Pradesh Commercial Taxes Department (APCD) with AI systems.
He suggested using AI to issue notices to taxpayers and address grievances, thereby enhancing the efficiency of government operations. He urged all departments to strive toward achieving the state’s revenue target of ₹1,37,412 crore for the current financial year.
Naidu pointed out that, compared to 2023–24, the state’s own revenue for 2024–25 has increased by 2.2 percent. Tax revenue has grown by 4.1 percent, while non-tax revenue has fallen short of expectations. GST collections have risen by 4.9 percent, professional tax by 15.2 percent, and excise revenue by an impressive 24.3 percent.
He expressed satisfaction with the Municipal Department for generating an additional ₹500 crore in revenue in 2024–25 compared to the previous year.
However, around ₹2,500 crore in tax arrears remain pending, a significant portion of which is tied to taxes on central and state government properties as well as vacant land. Following a 50 percent interest waiver announced in March, officials reported mobilising ₹240 crore in property tax within just six days.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
