Raipur, Jul 2 (PTI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday noted public revenues are vital for development of a state and the country as he warned of action against entities resorting to Goods and Services Tax (GST) frauds.

He made the remarks while presiding over a review meeting of the Commercial Tax (GST) department at Mantralaya's Mahanadi Bhavan, said an official statement.

At the meeting, officials informed that Chhattisgarh registered an impressive 18 per cent increase in GST collection in the financial year 2024-25 as compared to the previous fiscal, becoming the top state in terms of annul growth in mopping up GST revenue, it said.

In the meeting, the CM instructed department officials to intensify measures against tax evasion and ensure prompt recovery of dues.

Highlighting the importance of tax compliance, Sai said public revenues are vital for development of the country and a state, and therefore all taxpayers must pay their dues honestly.

He warned of action against entities resorting to GST frauds, bogus billing, dual accounting practices, or misapplication of tax rates to gain undue advantages.

Officials told the meeting that during financial year 2024-25, Chhattisgarh received a total tax revenue of Rs 23,448 crore from GST and VAT, accounting for nearly 38 per cent of the state's tax revenue collections.

State Finance and Commercial Tax (GST) Minister OP Choudhary shared detailed departmental updates, while Sai lauded the department's initiatives to streamline processes.

The CM specially commended efforts to reduce the average time for GST registration from 13 days to just two days, significantly enhancing ease of doing business.

Sai also reviewed recent enforcement actions, including recovery of evaded taxes. Officials reported that targeted drives and technology-led monitoring have contributed to consistent growth in collections, according to the statement.

Notably, GST offices have been established across all 33 districts, improving transparency and timely delivery of taxpayer services, it added. PTI TKP RSY