Tight Vigilance on Goods Distribution During Assembly Election-2023
- State Tax Department Deploys 24 Teams for Investigation at Border Areas
TFP Bureau, Raipur, Nov 2, 2023: With the Assembly Election Code of Conduct in full swing, the State GST department has intensified its vigilance to closely monitor the distribution of goods aimed at influencing voters during the election. The department has stationed 24 teams around the clock on the roads bordering other states, conducting joint investigations with officials from neighboring states on vehicles suspected of transporting such goods. State Tax Commissioner has further instructed officers to collaborate and jointly inquire with neighboring state officials.
Within the state, 15 teams are continuously investigating e-way bills. The State Tax Department has seized goods worth a total of 10.10 crores from July 1, 2023, to October 31, 2023. The department is also keeping a watchful eye on goods transported by railway and buses. During this period, penalties totaling 40.81 lakhs have been imposed on goods involved in irregular activities. To ensure the fair distribution of goods during the elections, the commissioner has directed officers to inspect warehouses within their respective areas.
Thus far, a sum of Rs 21.05 lakh has been reimbursed to traders for discrepancies in stock after inspections of 377 warehouses. The police administration is working in collaboration with department officials to ensure a fair election. Officers and employees from the SST and FST, actively engaged in election duties, have been deployed throughout all districts to assist the administration in its investigative efforts.
The intensified vigilance by the State Tax Department is a testament to the commitment to ensuring a free and impartial election process.
