The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is now operational in the State with senior IRS (C and CE) office Piyush Patnaik taking over as Chief Commissioner of the Central GST and Customs, Odisha unit and opening of Seva Kendras at the head office here and field offices across the State. Earlier, Patnaik was the Chief Commissioner, Service Tax Mumbai and Principal Commissioner, Central GST Mumbai. A number of training, sensitisation programmes, workshops and seminars are being organised by both Central and State GST authorities for successful implementation of the GST. Another Odia officer, Prasanna Kumar Dash, who is heading the Training Establishment of for the GST and Customs, is providing all guidance. The National Academy for Indirect Taxes and Customs headed by Dash is providing train to all GST officers as well as to traders, practiti-oners and other stakeholders.