15% jump in K'taka GST, says proud CM

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

Despite being deprived of funds by the BJP-led Central government, Congress-ruled Karnataka is doing its bit to augment tax collection. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday revealed that Karnataka’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection had grown by 15 per cent as of November. He made the disclosure after holding a high-level meeting with departments such as Excise, Commercial Taxes, Stamps and Registration, and Mines and Geology. “GST collections grew by 15 per cent with Karnataka contributing Rs 13,722 crore, placing the state second nationally in GST collections,” Siddaramaiah said, pointing out that “national averages” for the same have been surpassed. He also hailed the state’s “strong economic growth and superior revenue performance”. Maharashtra leads the country in GST contributions. However, the CM added the target they had set themselves for the 2024-25 financial year was Rs 84,475 crore. He asked officials to focus on “underperforming regions” such as Malnad and Mysuru to meet targets. Other details that emerged after the meeting included the Commercial Taxes Department reporting a revenue collection of Rs 53,103 crore.