GST grievances: State Taxes Dept, PHDCCI Kashmir hold redressal meet

SRINAGAR: In an endeavour towards improving tax administration and grievance resolution, the Jammu & Kashmir State Taxes Department on Thursday held a GST compliance and grievance redressal meeting with a delegation of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) Kashmir.

The PHDCCI delegation was led by its Co-Chairman Himayu Wani and included EC members Madeena Mir, Bilal Kawoosa, CA Anil Sharma, Syed Pervaiz Qaiser, Shabir Abdullah, Er Owais Raja, Shahid Khan and Deputy Director Iqbal Fayaz Jan.

The meeting was chaired by P.K. Bhat (JKAS), Commissioner, State Taxes, and attended by Parveez Ahmad Raina (JKAS), Additional Commissioner, State Taxes (Administration & Enforcement), Kashmir, along with several business representatives and GST professionals.

Key concerns raised by businesses

The PHDCCI delegation flagged concerns regarding delays in the establishment of the GST tribunal, which they said was impeding timely dispute resolution. Other challenges discussed included technical glitches in return filing, procedural complexities, and the need for more taxpayer-friendly initiatives.

The business community also urged the department to consider leniency in tax payment timelines for entities impacted by recent economic disruptions.

Department’s commitments

In response, the department committed to:

• Introducing social media video tutorials and welcome letters for new GST registrants.

• Strengthening coordination with the Industries Department for smoother Udyam and GST registration processes.

• Launching targeted awareness programs to address concerns of women entrepreneurs.

• Facilitating the movement of handicraft goods during exhibitions by reaffirming existing notifications covering 28 handicraft categories.

• Compassionately reviewing genuine hardship cases related to tax payments within the legal framework.

Focus on enforcement and ethical practices

Highlighting the issue of tax evasion and fake GST registrations, Commissioner Bhat said the department has adopted advanced online mechanisms to detect fraudulent businesses.

“The relationship between taxpayers and the department is symbiotic—like two sides of the same coin. We are committed to a balanced approach, ensuring compliance while addressing genuine concerns through dialogue and facilitation,” Mr Bhat said.

Additional Commissioner Parveez Ahmad Raina underlined the department’s dual approach: “Our focus remains on fairness and reform. While enforcement is necessary, we are equally invested in grievance redressal, especially for sectors recovering from unprecedented challenges.”