Agartala: Feb 22: On Saturday, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha announced that the state has been utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify tax evaders and will take strong action against those involved in evasion. Addressing a GST awareness campaign, *’Jaagrookta Abhiyan,’* at Prajna Bhavan, the Chief Minister stressed the critical role of tax collection in driving development in the northeastern state.
Dr. Saha highlighted the direct connection between increased tax revenue and accelerated development. He stated, “If there is more tax, there will be more development,” emphasizing that tax collections are essential for building infrastructure and supporting overall economic growth. The Chief Minister noted that instances of tax evasion, including the use of fake input tax credits and the misuse of the GST Analytics & Intelligence Network (GAIN), had been reported. In response, the state’s tax department has adopted AI tools to prevent such malpractice and ensure the integrity of the tax collection system.
Furthermore, Dr. Saha appealed to the people of Tripura to fulfill their GST obligations, urging them to view themselves as “partners” in the state’s growth journey. He explained that the funds generated through taxes are crucial for accelerating development and building necessary infrastructure. The Chief Minister also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047, stressing that achieving this goal requires the development of each state. He pointed out that if the state fails to secure adequate tax revenue, it will hinder the progress of Tripura and, by extension, India’s growth.
Dr. Saha’s message was clear: ensuring proper GST collection is vital for achieving the state’s development goals and contributing to the nation’s future growth.