Revanth Reddy directs departments to meet annual revenue targets

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed all revenue-generating departments in Telangana to strive to meet their annual targets and implement necessary measures to increase revenue compared to the previous fiscal year. He emphasised the importance of strict measures to prevent tax evasion across all departments.

The Chief Minister instructed each department to set monthly targets in line with their annual goals and to regularly review their progress. He also stressed the need for transparency in revenue collection and suggested restructuring departments if necessary to enhance revenue generation.

A review meeting was held at the Secretariat with key officials from the excise, commercial taxes, mining, stamps and registrations, and transportation departments. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, Ministers Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and Jupally Krishna Rao, Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, and Finance Special Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao were present.

Various issues were discussed during the nearly four-hour meeting. The Chief Minister noted that the revenue generated up to June this fiscal year was not promising compared to the annual target. He urged officials to set monthly targets and work diligently to achieve them.

Revanth Reddy announced that he would personally review the revenue targets in the first week of every month. Additionally, Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka will hold weekly meetings every Friday to assess the progress of the respective departments.

Immediate actions to increase GST revenue were suggested, with officials from the commercial taxes department instructed to conduct field visits and thorough audits. The CM stressed that no leniency should be shown in GST payments. He also suggested exploring the possibility of revising taxes on aviation fuel as an alternative to the reduced revenue from VAT on petrol and diesel.

The Chief Minister inquired about the reasons behind the lack of significant revenue increase from liquor sales despite higher sales during the election period. Discussions were held on curbing illegal liquor transportation and the potential revenue increase by controlling non-duty paid liquor. He directed the use of modern technology to monitor liquor transportation from distilleries.

The meeting also discussed the favourable environment for real estate business in Hyderabad due to government development projects like the Regional Ring Road, Metro expansion, and Musi Riverfront Development. The Chief Minister expressed optimism that commercial and residential constructions would increase in the coming months due to these initiatives.