Guj: CAG points irregularities in GST assessment & collection

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has detected several irregularities and lacunae in the processes followed by the Gujarat government in the assessment and collection of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the state.

CAG's audit report on Revenue Sector for the year ended on March 31, 2018 was tabled in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, the last day of the session.

In its audit of the GST regime in the state, the national auditor found "irregularities" in 537 cases, out of the total 18,093 test-checked assessments, which "resulted in under assessment of Rs 138.89 crore during the year 2017-18".

These irregularities include application of wrong tax rate, mistakes in computation, incorrect concession and exemption, irregular or excess grant of input tax credit and non/short levy of interest and penalty among others, the CAG noted.

In a piece of advice to the state government and the Finance Department, the CAG said, "The audit pointedout similar omissions in previous years also. There is a need for the government to improve the internal control system, including strengthening of internal audit, so that recurrence of such cases can be avoided."