Bengal has become the first state in which Centre and state have come together to roll out biometric-based Aadhaar authentication centres for GST registration. The formal rollout was started on Aug 5.

This is aimed at checking GST frauds which are happening through fake GST registration and fake input tax credit (ITC) demand. Central GST authorities feel that going forward, the Bengal model could be replicated in other states.

A GST official pointed out that after introduction of the Aadhaar-based detection system, applications for GST registrations had dropped by 23% in Gujarat (which was the first state to set up GST Suvidha Centres).

In Bengal, GST Suvidha Kendras have been set up at 32 locations, covering all districts. Of these centres, 12 are operated by central GST authorities while 20 are run by state GST authorities. Commenting on the step, Sharwan Kumar, chief commissioner of CGST, Kolkata zone , said, “This initiative will significantly prevent issue of fake invoicing and availing of inadmissible ITC, thus help create level playing field for tgenuine tax payers.”

Since Aug 5, more than 800 registration applications have been received at Suvidha Kendras for biometric verification and as many as 450 verifications have been successfully completed. 

Source: The Times of India