SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 24: In a significant development, the Enforcement (Central) wing of the State Taxes Department, Kashmir, has imposed a total penalty of Rs 1.52 crore for tax violations related to major commodities, including cement, scrap, TMT bars, timber, and plywood, for the financial year 2024-2025 up to December. This action is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to maintain strict vigilance on goods being transported across the state.
Under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner State Taxes Enforcement (Central) Kashmir, Waseem Raja, and the overall supervision of Commissioner State Taxes, P K Bhat, the department conducted special enforcement activities in Srinagar, Budgam, and Ganderbal districts. To maximize detection and deterrence, three field teams and a flying squad were formed, comprising State Taxes officers, inspectors, sub-inspectors, and guards. These teams carried out surprise checks and inspections even during late hours and on Sundays.
A special enforcement team at Srinagar airport focused on monitoring mobile phones and other cargo items. The department’s efforts have led to a significant rise in penalties compared to previous years. A penalty of Rs 9 lakh was imposed on cement-related tax violations, while scrap shipments attracted a fine of Rs 2,47,494, marking a 162% increase from last year’s penalty of Rs 94,590.
The timber and plywood sector saw a penalty amounting to Rs 9,84,654, which is a 95% increase from the previous year’s penalty of Rs 5,03,762. Additionally, penalties on TMT bars amounted to Rs 1,99,800, reflecting a 60% rise from last year’s Rs 1,24,958.
An analysis of violations in September, October, and November 2024 shows a remarkable surge in penalties, particularly in scrap and cement sectors. A penalty of Rs 1,06,100 was realized from scrap cases during these months, representing a 268% increase compared to the Rs 28,800 charged in FY 2023-24. Similarly, the enforcement teams imposed Rs 5,01,580 in penalties on cement violations during the same period.
To enhance the efficiency of its operations, a Data Analytics Cell was established by DC Enforcement (Central) to monitor transporters and track e-way bills. This cell collects data from the online MIS/E-way bill portal and shares critical inputs with field teams, enabling more accurate and efficient enforcement.
“The creation of the Data Cell aims to streamline our enforcement activities by utilizing smart work to track violators,” said Waseem Raja. “The information provided through the online portal has proven to be invaluable in our operations.”
Raja praised the efforts of the enforcement teams, noting the success in adhering to recent directions from higher authorities to monitor certain commodities more closely. “Our aim is to further enhance our activities and achieve even greater results by the end of the financial year,” he added.
As of December, the enforcement wing has levied a total penalty of Rs 1.52 crore, verifying over two lakh e-way bills from April to November 2024, marking a 45% increase from the same period last year.
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