Begin typing your search above and press return to search.

Scam-hit Excise Dept to go digital

By RITURAJ BORTHAKUR

GUWAHATI, Feb 26 - Rattled by a multi-crore-rupee tax evasion scam, the State�s Excise department is set to hop onto the digital bandwagon making its functioning easier, swifter and transparent.

The Assam Electronics Development Corporation Limited (AMTRON) is developing the online platform for the department, official sources said.

�All work was manual so far. The department did not even have a proper website. Once the website is ready, we hope to reduce the physical interaction between traders and officials to the minimum. This will also reduce the scope for malpractices,� the sources told The Assam Tribune, referring to the Rs 40-crore tax evasion scam in the State Excise Department.

The CID, probing the scam, has already arrested some senior officials of the department and has questioned two of its former commissioners (both IAS officers). Investigations have traced forged tax documents and banks stamps through which large-scale evasion of Value Added Tax and Excise Tax was made by traders in connivance with top officials of the department.

There are two distilleries (Khatkhati and Chaygaon), eight bottling plants, 75 bonded warehouses and over 2,000 retailers, including wine shops and bars, in the State.

�All work, including issue of permits, passes, fresh applications, renewal besides payments will be made online. Traders will be given ID and passwords. They will be able to apply for permits even through their mobile phones. Fresh applications for licenses will be also accepted online,� the sources said.

The online facility will also generate reports, including that of revenue collection, and maintain inventories.

Next Story