Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called on tax officials to take proactive measures in addressing public and business concerns about taxes before they escalate into serious grievances. Speaking at the inauguration of the new GST Bhawan in Udaipur, Rajasthan, the Finance Minister emphasized the importance of a preventive approach in resolving tax-related issues.

Sitharaman urged officers of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to resolve doubts and misunderstandings early on, preventing them from growing into larger problems. She noted that solving issues at the initial stages, when they are simply doubts, can help avoid the development of full-blown grievances.

"By addressing doubts early through outreach, we can prevent them from escalating into grievances," Sitharaman said during her speech.

She also stressed the importance of sharing information effectively to manage these concerns. According to the Finance Minister, sector-specific outreach efforts should be carried out to ensure that any potential issues are identified and dealt with before they become more significant. She mentioned that after addressing doubts through outreach, if adjustments are necessary, the government is open to making those changes.

"Outreach across sectors is essential before grievances arise," she added. "We must focus on sharing information and ensuring transparency to avoid unnecessary disputes."

The minister’s remarks reflect a shift towards a more communicative and responsive approach in tax administration, aiming to strengthen relationships between the government and businesses, while minimizing conflicts and misunderstandings.

As part of her two-day visit to Udaipur, the Finance Minister also held a review meeting on Thursday to assess the performance of nine Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) in states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan.

In her meeting, Sitharaman encouraged RRBs to ensure easier access to credit for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). She stressed the need for these banks to become more customer-friendly and leverage their local presence to enhance their performance.

"RRBs have tailored their MSME products to support local business clusters, but they must regularly review their credit portfolios in this segment," she said.

Sitharaman also emphasized the importance of sponsor banks and RRBs staying ahead of challenges, particularly in maintaining asset quality, expanding digital services, and ensuring strong corporate governance.

Calls for GST Waiver on Health Insurance Grow as Costs Rise Amid Healthcare Needs

FM Nirmala Sitharaman Reviews Public Sector Banks' Performance, Urges Special Deposit Drives

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das Outlines Path to Achieving 'Developed India' Vision by 2047