Odisha Cabinet approves proposal to amend state GST Act to make collection process simpler

 A proposal to amend Odisha Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 was approved by state cabinet on Tuesday to make collection process simple and more effective, officials said.

cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and held through video conference, cleared proposal for introduction of Odisha Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2020 and replacement of two ordinances, Chief Secretary A K Tripathy said.

As state assembly is set to meet for monsoon session later this month, cabinet approved bill for introduction in House, Principal Secretary, Finance, A K Meena said.

amendment in OGST Act aims at providing certain facilities to taxpayers and tax authorities, he said.

suggestions include empowering state government to make provision for issuance of removal of difficulties order for ar two years, and inserting a new section -- 168A -- to extend due dates for various compliances on recommendation of GST council during war, epidemic, flood, drought, fire, cyclone and natural calamities, he said.

cabinet also decided to amend Odisha Local Fund Audit Act, 1948, as difficulties were faced to physically serve surcharge tices and orders on delinquent officers in time, finance secretary said.

It also approved a proposal by Works Department for construction of a bridge over river Subarnarekha near Haldipa on National Highway-16 at a cost of over Rs 138.74 crore, Works Secretary Krishan Kumar said.