Nine Years of GST Marked with Grand Celebrations; Chief Justice Highlights Transparency and Taxpayer Cooperation
Hyderabad, July 1:
The CGST & Customs, Hyderabad Zone celebrated GST Day–2026 with grandeur at the Amaravathi Auditorium, Income Tax Guest House, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, commemorating the successful completion of nine years of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), one of India’s most significant indirect tax reforms. The celebrations were held under the theme “Sugam Kar Vyavastha, Sashakt Bharat” (Simplified Tax System, Empowered India).
The programme was inaugurated by Shri Arun Kumar, IRS, Chief Commissioner of Central Tax & Customs, Hyderabad Zone, who welcomed distinguished guests, officers, taxpayers, representatives from trade and industry, and other invitees. In his inaugural address, he highlighted GST’s transformative role in creating a unified national market, simplifying the indirect tax system, improving compliance through technology-driven administration, and enhancing transparency and ease of doing business. He also appreciated the dedication of officers and staff in implementing GST successfully and facilitating voluntary tax compliance.
The event was graced by Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he lauded the remarkable progress achieved under the GST regime over the past nine years and stressed the importance of a transparent, fair, and efficient tax administration in fostering economic growth and strengthening public confidence in governance. He emphasized the need for continued cooperation between taxpayers and the tax administration to achieve the objectives of voluntary compliance and nation-building. The Chief Justice also called for enhanced outreach programmes to create greater awareness among stakeholders and suggested collaboration with the Legal Services Authority framework to strengthen public engagement.
The Guest of Honour, Dr. K. Brahmanandam, congratulated the Department on the successful completion of nine years of GST implementation. He appreciated the invaluable contribution of tax officers to nation-building and encouraged citizens to discharge their tax responsibilities sincerely. He also commended the Department for its continued efforts in strengthening the country’s tax administration.
An audio-visual presentation showcasing the journey and achievements of GST over the past nine years was screened during the programme. It highlighted the evolution of GST into a robust, technology-driven tax system that has significantly improved tax administration, enhanced compliance, and facilitated ease of doing business across the country.
As part of the celebrations, Commendation Certificates were presented to officers and staff members in recognition of their exemplary service, outstanding performance, and significant contributions towards the effective implementation of GST and Customs administration.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, distinguished invitees, members of the trade and industry, media representatives, and all participants for making the event a grand success. The celebrations ended with the National Anthem, followed by High Tea.
The event reflected the continued commitment of the CGST & Customs, Hyderabad Zone to promoting voluntary tax compliance, strengthening taxpayer services, ensuring transparency, and contributing to the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” through an efficient, technology-driven, and taxpayer-friendly indirect tax administration.
