NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday appreciated the efforts of the Central Board of Indirect Tax and Customs (CBIC) and emphasised the need for training personnel for better utilisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics.

While inaugurating 'Kendriya GST Parisar', the housing complex for CGST officers of Mumbai zone in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, the finance Minster said,  "You keep doing  your good work, generating revenues, you are noticed for it, Prime Minister  Narendra Modi made a special appreciative statement recently on level of GST revenues."

The Finance Minister also discussed the necessity for CBIC officials to receive training in order to effectively utilise AI, data analytics, Internet of Things, and other technologies to spot fraudulent activities like tax evasion.

She also expressed her gratitude to the Central Intelligence Unit team of the CGST Mumbai Zone for their excellent data analysis and mining techniques utilised to detect widespread tax evasion that led to significant financial recovery and the arrest of offenders.

She also praised the department's efforts to address future requirements and make the necessary advancements for the second phase of officer and employee welfare.

CBIC Chairman Vivek Johri said, Mumbai contributes 40% of international trade and 7% of the nation's GDP. He said,  Mumbai's Customs Zone and Mumbai's CGST contribute 25% and 18%, respectively, of the nation's GST revenue, and 14% of CBIC's personnel is located in Mumbai.

Tarun Bajaj, the revenue secretary, was also present.

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