Finance Minister Emphasizes Utilizing Technology to Strengthen GST Registration Process

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has stressed the need to utilize technology in order to strengthen the GST registration process and prevent the entry of fraudulent entities into the GST ecosystem. During a review meeting focused on combating fake billing for GST evasion, the minister highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the objectives of the special drive aimed at eliminating fake entities.

Addressing Fake Registrations in the GST System

The finance minister chaired a review meeting to assess the progress made in tackling fake billing for GST evasion. It was revealed during the meeting that 11,140 fake registrations have already been identified, and appropriate actions have been initiated against them.

Strengthening the Registration Process through Technology

During the meeting, Sitharaman was briefed on various methods employed by fraudsters, including identity theft, and the steps being taken to counteract fake registrations.

The Finance Ministry has implemented measures such as OTP-based verification of Aadhaar and the pilot program for biometric-based Aadhaar authentication in high-risk cases during the registration process.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Identify Fake Networks

Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra and CBIC Chairman Vivek Johri informed Sitharaman that advanced Artificial Intelligence tools are extensively employed to identify potential fake networks.

These AI-driven techniques play a crucial role in detecting fraudulent activities and strengthening the integrity of the GST ecosystem.

Conclusion:

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's call for strengthening the GST registration process through the use of technology reflects the government's commitment to combat fake entities and ensure the integrity of the GST system.

By leveraging advanced tools such as AI and implementing robust verification measures, the government aims to curtail fake registrations and enhance the effectiveness of GST administration.

These initiatives demonstrate the government's determination to foster a transparent and efficient tax regime, further boosting the ease of doing business in India.