Karnataka Clocks 15% GST Growth; CM Siddaramaiah Targets Higher Revenue Collection
Karnataka recorded a 15% growth in GST collections in November 2024, second only to Maharashtra. The state’s GST revenue for the month stood at ₹13,772 crore, as revealed during a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also serves as the state’s finance minister.
Key Highlights
GST and Commercial Tax Collections
November GST Collection: ₹13,772 crore, reflecting a 15% growth year-on-year.
FY 2024-25 Commercial Tax Revenue:
Collected ₹53,103 crore so far against a target of ₹84,475 crore.
Previous fiscal’s total commercial tax collection: ₹70,575 crore.
Inspection and Audits:
Revenue from inspections, audits, and dispute resolutions between April and November 2024: ₹11,823 crore (up from ₹4,975 crore last year).
Siddaramaiah instructed officials to launch a special tax collection drive over the next four months to meet the fiscal year targets, emphasizing improving collections in underperforming regions like Malnad and Mysuru.
Excise Collections
April-November 2024 Collection: ₹23,600 crore (61% of the ₹38,535 crore annual target).
Growth: An increase of ₹1,432.23 crore compared to the same period last year.
Previous Fiscal’s Excise Revenue: ₹34,628 crore.
Siddaramaiah directed the Excise Department to ramp up vigilance against tax evasion and accelerate recruitment to fill Group ‘C’ posts.
Stamp Duty and Registration
April-November 2024 Revenue: ₹15,160.97 crore against an annual target of ₹26,000 crore.
Siddaramaiah emphasized curbing illegal property registrations and bringing unregistered properties into the tax net. He also urged officials to resolve issues in the e-Khata system for smoother operations.
Mines & Geology
Revenue Collected: ₹4,862 crore against a target of ₹9,000 crore.
The CM suggested drafting a law to tax mineral rights, following a recent Supreme Court ruling allowing states to levy such taxes.
Key Actions Directed by CM Siddaramaiah
- Special Drives: Expedite commercial tax and excise collections in underperforming regions.
- Curb Evasions: Enhance vigilance activities across departments, especially excise.
- Streamline Registration: Prevent illegal property registrations and improve the e-Khata system.
- Mineral Tax Law: Introduce legislation to levy taxes on mineral-bearing lands.
Karnataka’s consistent growth in tax revenues reflects effective governance and enforcement, with significant potential to meet fiscal targets through intensified efforts and reforms.
