<h1>GST refunds: Rs 738 crore paid to traders; Rs 1,002 crore cleared so far as IT module speeds processing</h1> The state government announced disbursement of Rs 738 crore in GST refunds to traders as part of a larger Rs 1,600 crore refund program pending since 2019, with the Trade and Taxes department clearing Rs 1,002 crore in refund liabilities to date. Administrative measures include processing 8,259 refund applications-7,409 of which were below Rs 10 lakh-intended to expedite relief for small businesses. The department implemented an advanced IT module, developed with a technical institute, employing data analytics, automation and expedited verification to streamline adjudication and settlement of refund claims. The initiative reduces backlog and advances statutory compliance and taxpayer relief, while processing continues.