Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently conducted a high-level review of the State Tax Department in Lucknow, emphasizing the need for transparency, technical efficiency, and strict enforcement in tax collection. During the review, CM Adityanath directed officials to take strong action against shell companies and fake registered firms, highlighting that tax evasion is a national crime that negatively impacts development plans and public welfare programs.
The Chief Minister stressed that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a consumer-based tax system, noting that areas with higher population density are naturally expected to generate more tax revenue. He instructed officials to develop special strategies for zones where tax collection is below average, ensuring that all regions contribute their fair share to the state's revenue. Adityanath also directed that information on suspicious firms registered under Central GST (CGST) be shared with the Centre for cancellation of their registration. For firms registered under State GST (SGST), he ordered in-depth departmental investigations, and if irregularities are found, their registration should be canceled and FIRs lodged.
CM Adityanath emphasized the need for on-site inspections of all newly registered firms, stating that "fake companies should not be allowed to obstruct the rights of honest taxpayers." He added that such inspections are essential to ensure that genuine businesses can operate fairly and without interference, and that misuse of facilities meant for genuine traders is unforgivable.
During the meeting, officials reported that ₹18,161.59 crore in GST and VAT had been collected during April and May against the financial year 2025-26 target of ₹1,75,725 crore. The Chief Minister urged officials to enhance transparency and adopt advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and data analytics in tax collection to curb evasion and strengthen revenue systems. He also asked officials to ensure strict and well-planned actions to prevent tax fraud and promote a taxpayer-friendly, transparent system.
In a related review of the revenue department, CM Adityanath urged swift resolution of revenue disputes and land digitization to enhance transparency and public trust in governance. He instructed officials to expedite the digitization of remaining land records and prioritize uploading urban land data to the online portal. He called for a user-friendly redesign of the Revenue Board's portal and the creation of an integrated dashboard for better monitoring and public benefit.
The department reported the issuance of over 36 lakh caste, residence, and income certificates last year, with 85% processed online within seven working days. The CM commended this progress and instructed officials to further enhance service delivery for greater effectiveness and transparency. He also praised the department for its swift response during natural disasters, noting that over 3.5 lakh affected families received assistance through DBT in 2023-24. Yogi also directed complete disposal of all pending applications under the Mukhyamantri Krishak Accident Welfare Scheme within the next 10 working days.
