Ahmedabad, Jul 24 (PTI) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday noted facilities and incentives provided by the government have helped in the growth of industries and also boosted Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection.

He said people are paying taxes without hesitation as they realize the money generated thus is being utilised for their own welfare and also of those in need of government's support.

The CM was speaking after inaugurating as well as laying foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 358.37 crore for Banaskantha district.

Among the projects inaugurated by the CM included a new bus stop, 45 school classrooms and three new power sub-stations of 66kv capacity each, said an official release.

Addressing a gathering at Nadabet, a village close to India-Pakistan border in Banaskantha district, Patel emphasised that high GST collection was an indication of the trust people have put in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

Better facilities offered to industries by the Gujarat government has also contributed in helping them grow and eventually deposit more GST in the central kitty, he noted.

The CM told the audience that India's gross GST collection was a healthy Rs 2 lakh crore in May.

"Besides the fear of getting punished, people have started paying their taxes because they realised that the tax money is being utilised for their welfare itself. Government schemes are benefiting every deserving citizen. This is the reason why the country's tax revenue has increased in recent times," said Patel.

"India's GST collection was more than Rs 2 lakh crore in just one month (May). A trader can pay tax only when his business does well. You will need good roads, electricity and water connection at industrial estates for running a business. Only then you will earn well and eventually pay taxes. So facilities are also important," opined the CM.

He highlighted it was PM Modi who brought the idea of '100 per cent saturation' wherein each and every eligible beneficiary is identified and covered under a scheme meant for him/her.

"The PM not only thinks about the current generation, but also the next generation. That is why he has launched campaigns like 'Catch The Rain' and 'Mission Amrit Sarovar' for harvesting rainwater so that the next generation do not face any (water) issue," the CM maintained. PTI PJT RSY

GST collection linked to improved facilities and incentives, boosting voluntary tax compliance and industrial growth. Government investment in infrastructure and incentives is described as improving business conditions and expanding the taxable base, thereby raising Goods and Services Tax receipts; higher collections are attributed to increased public trust that tax revenue funds welfare, alongside targeted beneficiary coverage under welfare schemes.