COIMBATORE: Industry bodies in Coimbatore have welcomed the Tamil Nadu govt’s decision to replace routine roving squad checks with intelligence-based interception of goods, stating that the move would reduce transport delays, prevent harassment of genuine traders and improve the ease of doing business.The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Coimbatore, Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (Codissia) and the Southern India Engineering Manufacturers Association (SIEMA) thanked the state govt and the commercial taxes department for swiftly implementing the decision taken at the 57th GST Council meeting held on Oct 8.SIEMA, the apex body representing pump and motor manufacturers in the Coimbatore region, said the commissioner of commercial taxes, S Nagarajan, issued a circular on Oct 14, dispensing with the existing roving squad system and introducing intelligence-based flying squads.According to the circular, flying squads would remain stationed at the joint commissioner (intelligence) office and would not conduct routine, random checks on roads. Goods could be intercepted only on the basis of specific intelligence, which must be recorded in writing in the e-office system and authorised by an officer not below the rank of joint commissioner.Industry representatives said the shift towards targeted enforcement would ensure smoother movement of goods across the state while allowing officials to act against specific instances of tax evasion.The move is expected to particularly benefit micro and small enterprises, which often face financial losses due to delays in transporting goods. SIEMA thanked the chief minister and the minister for commerce for their support in implementing the reform. Both industry bodies said the measure would promote a more business-friendly environment for trade, industry and transport operators.In a statement, Codissia said the intelligence-based system was a welcome move that would improve ease of doing business and reduce unnecessary difficulties for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Frequent checks can disrupt the movement of raw materials and finished goods, affecting production schedules and timely deliveries. The revised procedure is expected to facilitate smoother transportation, minimise business interruptions and provide relief to industrial units.
