In a significant address to tax officials on Friday, October 24, 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman underscored the critical need for Goods and Services Tax (GST) authorities to depend on their advanced technological systems instead of imposing the burden of excessive paperwork on taxpayers.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new CGST Bhawan in Ghaziabad, Ms. Sitharaman emphasized that the responsibilities of tax officials extend beyond merely implementing reduced GST rates. She highlighted recent approvals by the GST Council aimed at making the GST registration process “simpler, easier, seamless, and also more transparent.”
I am confident that with continued reforms, dedication and teamwork, we will reach new heights in revenue, compliance and service delivery.
The #NextGenGST reforms will make this system even more efficient, equitable and growth-oriented.
Keep up the good work, maintain the…
— Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) October 24, 2025
The Finance Minister explicitly stated, “Technology and risk-based parameters must do the heavy lifting, not the taxpayers. We do not want anybody from the field formation adding one little more burden on the taxpayers or onus on the taxpayer.” She firmly instructed officials to utilize technology for assessing situations, approaching taxpayers only when absolutely essential.
“But no shifting of onus to him, saying ‘give me more papers, give me this, give me that’,” she cautioned, urging them to be proactive and smart in leveraging digital tools.
Furthermore, Ms. Sitharaman announced that a new GST registration system, set to launch on November 1, will introduce ‘automatic’ registration for two categories of applicants: those identified through data analysis by the system, and those who self-assess their output tax liability to not exceed Rs 2.5 lakh rupees per month.
She reiterated her directive for officials to simplify this process for taxpayers. “For these two categories, simplified GST registration will happen, and that will give them registration completed within three working days. This single reform is expected to benefit 96% of new applicants. The task of the field formation is to operationalize it and ensure that there are no frictions in the process.”
Finally, the Finance Minister called upon senior officials gathered at the event to ensure that GST Seva Kendras nationwide are adequately staffed and well-maintained. She specifically drew the attention of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, urging them to make these centers accessible and ensure timely, high-quality assistance for taxpayers.