Finance, Commerce & Industries Minister of West Bengal Amit Mitra has said the State government is working with National Informatics Centre (NIC) to provide free software for filing goods and services tax (GST) returns to small traders inconvenienced by multiplicity nature of the new regime.
The information was furnished by Mitra while addressing a conference organised by Confederation of West Bengal Trade Associations (CWBTA) on August 31 in Kolkata.
“We are in touch with the NIC (National Informatics Centre) and work is on to develop the software,” said the State Finance Minister.
The initiative will make West Bengal one of the only States providing free accounting software under the new goods and services tax regime of India.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also addressed the gathering telephonically, reaffirming complete support to the troubled small traders and assured full-time availability of government officials in case of problems.
“I know you all are facing hardship, first because of demonetisation and later the GST. Tax authorities are also after you at times. But, I assure you that the Bengal government is with you. You can approach us any time you want,” said the CM.
GST accounting software is available off the shelf at a cost starting from Rs 18,000. While large enterprises have bought and installed the software, smaller ones are seeking help from others.
After an apparent pro-industry stand by extending support for the GST, the State government has gone all-out in opposing the tax regime. From multiplicity of tax slabs to inconvenience to small traders, the party is continually raising a variety of issues.
