Surat. On the occasion of the completion of nine years since the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) organized a special program on the theme '9 Years of GST – Celebrating a Decade of Economic Change' at the Ushakant Marfatia Hall in Sarsana on Wednesday.
The program included a detailed discussion on the achievements of the GST system over the past nine years, reforms in the tax system, and future tax reforms. Present at the event were Surat SGST (Appeal) Commissioner Mr. Vishwanathan, Joint Commissioner S.S. Rathod, Deputy Commissioner Ashok Karangia, Assistant Commissioner Maulik Jhalla, Honorary Minister of the Chamber Paresh Lathia, GST committee officials, representatives from various business organizations, chartered accountants, company secretaries, and tax practitioners in large numbers. The Chamber's President Ashok Jirawala stated in his welcome speech that GST is the most significant reform in the history of the Indian tax system.
Over the past nine years, this system has made the tax system simpler, more transparent, and digital. It has increased ease of doing business, simplified compliance processes, and strengthened the concept of a unified national market in the country. He mentioned that in the financial year 2025-26, Gujarat collected approximately ₹28,000 crore in GST, making the state second in the country.
Meanwhile, Surat city alone contributes about ₹6,500 crore in GST annually, reflecting the city's industrial and commercial potential. On this occasion, SGST Assistant Commissioner Vivek Gajera mentioned that GST was implemented on July 1, 2017, with the aim of enhancing Ease of Doing Business and economic development. He noted that in 2017, there were about 6.5 million registered taxpayers in the country, while currently, this number has increased to over 16.5 million.
This growth is a result of the trust and cooperation of the business community and taxpayers. He further explained that the New Generation Tax Reforms, which will be implemented from September 2025, aim to simplify the tax system, reduce legal complexities, and eliminate unnecessary processes. These reforms emphasize digital filing and faster processing.
Additionally, several measures have been taken to provide tax relief to the middle class on daily essentials, food items, health insurance, and life insurance premiums. The program began with an introductory address by Ramesh Bhutani, Chairman of the Surat Hardware and Building Material Merchant Association.
The Chamber's Group Chairman Rohan Desai conducted the program, while CA Rajesh Bhauwala, Chairman of the GST Committee, presented the outline of the event. Finally, the Chamber's Honorary Treasurer Atul Patel expressed gratitude to all guests and participants.
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