Andhra GST Official Urges Support for Tech-Driven Tax Reforms

Chowdary Purushottam Naidu, State honorary president of the Andhra Pradesh GST Officers and Employees Association, on Sunday urged all GST officials and employees to fully support the government's technology-driven tax reform initiatives, including the use of artificial intelligence and data analytics in tax administration. He emphasized the success of these measures, citing ₹3,361 crore in tax collections for March 2026, despite a significant reduction in GST rates by the Union government six months earlier.

Purushottam Naidu alleged that certain officials from other associations were attempting to tarnish the image of the Andhra Pradesh GST wing and its Chief Commissioner, Babu Ahmed, who has led efforts to deploy technology for efficient tax collection. He stated that some employees, dissatisfied over denied promotions, were instigating unrest and resisting reform, warning that individual grievances should not compromise public revenue efforts.

He credited Babu Ahmed with ensuring the recovery of arrears from industries and businesses over the past two years and stressed that agitations within the department could hinder the state's ability to fund welfare and development programs. Rayi Venugopal, State vice president of the APNGOs Association, affirmed that his group would not interfere in government policies on transfers or tax collection, while confirming that most associations had submitted a joint petition to Babu Ahmed in Amaravati addressing staff grievances.

The associations reiterated their commitment to supporting tax collection drives, especially in semi-urban and rural regions. The department is expected to continue consultations with employee groups while maintaining focus on digital enforcement mechanisms in the coming weeks.