Chandigarh: The UT excise and taxation department recorded an increase of over 20% in both GST and VAT collections and a nearly 7% rise in excise revenue in the first six months of the current financial year, from April to September.The collections marked a significant improvement over the corresponding period last year, particularly in GST.The department earned Rs 1,355.62 crore in GST, Rs 565.16 crore in excise and Rs 341.07 crore in VAT during the first six months of the current financial year.In the corresponding period last year, the department collected Rs 1,122.68 crore in GST, Rs 528.54 crore in excise and Rs 282.76 crore in VAT.“Besides setting revenue targets, the department has been constantly monitoring taxpayers’ fees, identifying tax evaders and defaulters. Other focus areas include regular checks on firms and liquor vends. Unlike last year, the department did not have to deal with a staff crunch this time, which played a vital role in revenue growth,” sources in the Chandigarh administration told TOI.Sources said the UT excise and taxation department generates the maximum revenue and is therefore always in focus.“Senior officers of the UT administration repeatedly hold meetings with the department, during which the functioning and targets of each officer and wing are assessed. Therefore, the department is always under pressure to generate revenue,” sources said.
