Our Bureau Dharamshala
The state government authorities have failed to set-up an appellate tribunal for GST (Goods & Services Tax) tax payers in lower part of Himachal Pradesh. In lack of this tribunal, entrepreneurs have to spent time and money to reach state capital from all corners of the state to get their cases reviewed.
Ruling BJP had cried itself hoarse for assisting business community to boost the investment following the global investor meet. But even after two after two years of GST launching (in July 2017), the authorities have failed to assist the local investors of state.
Most of the officials were reluctant to comment on this problem being faced by the entrepreneurs. Neither it was raised at any platform by the political leadership.
When contacted, Vivek Mahajan joint commissioner in excise and taxation department of state confirmed that appeals can be filed with the divisional commissioner at Shimla only.
Lack of assistance to entrepreneurs is adding cost to their business and consuming their time. Many of them are facing penalties but they couldn’t file appeals due to time consumption in traveling 200 KMs to get their cases reviewed.
In a recent case, it was on investor meet day that an entrepreneur, Girdhari Ram, was penalized for 1,08,000 rupees against his consignment of 1,09,000 rupees. But he couldn’t reach the appellate tribunal in Shimla.
Vinod Kaith, assistant commissioner at Palampur had challaned the business man.
The state taxation authorities have also not closed the VAT (Value addition tax) assessments of businessmen in state.
Principal Secretary excise and taxation department during his visit to this hill town this month has said that a proposal to go for one-time settlement in VAT tax was underway. But he failed to give any deadline for bringing a policy in this regard.
