Vadodara: The directorate general of taxpayer services (DGTS) plans to launch a GST Literacy Mission this financial year, aiming to directly reach between five lakh and 10 lakh people through educational institutions, MSMEs, exporters, startups and industry associations.The proposal was outlined during a five-day review visit to Ahmedabad and Vadodara by DGTS director general Shailendra Kumar Sinha. He was accompanied by additional director general Amarjeet Singh from the DGTS headquarters in New Delhi and additional director general Sumit Kumar of the Ahmedabad zonal unit. The visit ended on Friday.The mission seeks to enhance taxpayer awareness and engagement while promoting a transparent, technology-driven and taxpayer-friendly tax administration. DGTS, which functions under the central board of indirect taxes and customs (CBIC), handles taxpayer services, grievance redressal, stakeholder engagement and public outreach.The proposed expansion follows a rise in outreach activities by the directorate. DGTS said it conducted 131 outreach programmes during FY 2025-26 and the first quarter of FY 2026-27, reaching more than 1.5 lakh participants.On Constitution Day 2025, the directorate’s outreach activities covered more than 750 locations, including 50 universities and 150 schools, engaging over one lakh participants.During the Gujarat visit, Sinha, Singh and Sumit Kumar reviewed the functioning of the CGST Ahmedabad and Vadodara zones, as well as the customs zone. They also held interactions with trade representatives and stakeholders in Ahmedabad, GIFT City Gandhinagar and Vadodara.The discussions focused on taxpayer grievances, facilitation measures and feedback on tax laws and procedures.During meetings in Vadodara, trade representatives raised concerns about GST appeals being dismissed on limitation grounds. DGTS indicated that structural measures could be considered, including allowing appellate authorities to waive pre-deposit requirements in specific circumstances or remand cases for reconsideration.
