Ministries told to set up GST Facilitation Cells

“Sinha has asked the Secretaries of the different ministries/departments to set-up a GST Facilitation Cell in their respective department/ministry. Sinha said that the Cell, in turn, shall be in constant touch with the major industry and business associations relating to the respective ministry/department and provide all possible support for the smooth roll-out of GST from July 1,” Finance Ministry said. 

“The Cabinet Secretary in a letter to the Secretaries of the different ministries/departments has further mentioned that the GST Facilitation Cell can preferably be managed by a small core team headed by an economic adviser or any other designated officer of the respective ministry/department,” the statement said. 

He said that while the Department of Revenue is making the helplines operational for any individual taxpayer to seek resolution of any legal or IT related issues, the GST Facilitation Cell, on the other hand, could serve as the first point of contact for addressing any issue being faced by any business or industrial sector related to the respective ministry. The Cabinet Secretary added that this would greatly facilitate the roll-out of GST. 

Sinha has also asked them to ensure that all Public Sector Units (PSUs) under their administrative control are GST-compliant before July 1.  He asked the Secretaries to have meetings with all the chairman and managing directors/ chairpersons of the PSUs under their charge in order to sensitise them towards GST roll-out.  Preferably each PSU may constitute a GST Cell, which should be equipped with the complete knowledge of all the relevant GST Act/ Rules/Rate Structure, he said. 

“Sinha has further stated that to ensure smooth and successful rollout of GST, it is essential that all stakeholders, both in the government as well outside, are adequately prepared for the roll-out. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that all sectors/businesses are GST ready before July 1,” it said.  Earlier, Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia had also written to the Secretaries of the different ministries/departments that there is an urgent need for all the central government ministries/PSUs to be made aware of the basic features of GST Law and procedures.