Robust reforms must be brought in to build a corruption-free system, says Maharashtra Governor Radhakrishnan
He was speaking at the GST Day programme organised by the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Commissionerate in the city on Tuesday (July 1, 2025).
Mr. Radhakrishnan said that all reforms should be designed in a way that leaves no gaps for corruption. 'The system should be strong enough to take care of the good people and correct itself when needed,' he said. On judicial reforms, he noted that wrongdoers exploit loopholes in the system and said judgments should be stricter and more effective.
He also stressed the need for reform in the income tax system, stating that the tax administration should be able to distinguish between hard-earned income and illicit gains. 'There are people who have not yet come under the tax net, but their income is genuinely earned. On the other hand, black money, which is not backed by any work or effort, should be clearly identified and acted upon,' he said.
Describing GST as a scientific tax system, Mr. Radhakrishnan said it has contributed to transparency, reduced corruption, and ensured a level playing field for businesses. He added that the system, now adopted by over 160 countries, has encouraged tax compliance and led to increased national revenue. This, he said, is reflected in infrastructure development projects across the country. 'Without revenue, none of these projects would be possible. GST has also been one of the key reasons India has become the world's fourth largest economy,' he said.
On electoral reforms, he supported the idea of 'One Nation, One Election', stating that it would reduce the time and cost involved in conducting frequent elections and allow for more efficient governance.
Dinesh P. Pangarkar, Principal Commissioner of GST and Central Excise, said the Coimbatore Central GST Commissionerate had recorded significant growth since GST implementation. Revenue increased from ₹1,105 crore in 2017–18 to ₹3,906 crore in 2024–25. The taxpayer base doubled in eight years, he said, reflecting wider acceptance among trade and industry. In 2024–25 alone, GST refunds worth ₹746 crore were disbursed.
Top tax payers were felicitated at the event.
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