GST Day celebrated in Kolkata

PARTHA ROY, Kolkata: The Central Goods and Services Tax & Central Excise (CGST & CX) Kolkata Zone celebrated the 8th GST Day at Science City Auditorium in Kolkata on 1st July 2025. Theme of celebration “Simplifying Taxes, Empowering Citizens”, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to make the taxation system more accessible, transparent, and citizen-centric.

Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi (Retd.) was the Chief Guest, and Shri Sanjay Budhia, Managing Director, Patton India International was the Guest of Honour. Delivering the welcome address, Shri Shrawan Kumar, Chief Commissioner of CGST & CX, Kolkata Zone, highlighted the remarkable performance of the Zone, stating that the growth rate of GST collections in Kolkata Zone has exceeded the national average, reflecting enhanced compliance. Kolkata zone is approximately 2% ahead of national growth rate.

In his keynote address, Chief Guest, Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi, emphasized that the Goods and Services Tax has unified the nation’s indirect tax structure and continues to be a key pillar of India’s core national interest, enabling economic integration and simplifying the tax framework across the country.

Shri Sanjay Budhia, the Guest of Honour, remarked that GST has become a powerful tool through which both the nation and the taxpayer community are growing stronger together, creating a more transparent and business-friendly environment.
As part of the celebration, commendation certificates were presented to selected taxpayers in recognition of their valuable contribution to tax compliance. In addition, several officers of the department were also honoured with commendation certificates for their exemplary service and dedication. GST was introduced on 1st July 2017.

Evolution of GST is continuous process and vital for India ‘s economic growth. Introduction of GST promoted ease of doing business and facilitated economic reform, fostering greater taxpayer confidence and strengthening the nation’s financial foundation .