GST Council may Consider Nationwide Rollout of Biometric Authentication for registration – Statement of CBIC Chief
Biometric Authentication: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is contemplating the implementation of biometric based Aadhaar authentication across India for individuals seeking GST registration. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chief of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), revealed this proposal on Friday.
Presently, only Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and the Union Territory of Puducherry have initiated a pilot program for Aadhaar authentication. The results from these states have been encouraging, with a noticeable reduction in registration applications in Gujarat. This suggests that the measures in place are deterring individuals from using false identities to establish fake Input Tax Credit (ITC) firms.
Considering the positive outcomes, Agarwal expressed optimism that more states may adopt this authentication method or it could become uniformly applicable nationwide. The objective is to curb the impact of fake registrations on government revenue.
While GST authorities have been using OTP-based Aadhaar authentication to verify the identity of registration applicants, instances of identity misuse leading to the creation of fraudulent firms for claiming ITC have prompted a shift towards biometric authentication. In suspicious cases, individuals seeking registration may be required to visit an Aadhaar center for biometric verification.
Agarwal emphasized that the decision to implement Aadhaar-based authentication nationwide lies with the GST Council, and while no formal proposal has been submitted, it may be considered in the near future.
The CBIC chief highlighted recent efforts to combat syndicates orchestrating fake ITCs. Stringent policy measures have been implemented to enhance the registration process, including a risk assessment before registration, leading to targeted physical verifications.
Since the GST launch in July 2017, tax authorities have identified and rectified fake ITC cases amounting to Rs 1.42 lakh crore, recovering Rs 13,000 crore in the process. Additionally, 1,350 individuals have been arrested for defrauding the exchequer.
Agarwal noted that tax officers are collaborating with various other government agencies, such as the Income Tax Department, to identify potential GST taxpayers and strengthen the overall integrity of the system.
This move towards biometric authentication reflects a proactive approach to address fraudulent activities and safeguard government revenue in the GST framework.
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