CIC seeks transparency in GST processes

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has advised the GST Policy Wing of the Central Board of Excise and Customs to “examine the feasibility of developing appropriate mechanisms, guidelines or public advisories” to enhance transparency and public awareness in GST compliance and remittance.

Issuing the advisory under Section 25(5) of the RTI Act, the commission said such steps may include “transparency tools or awareness measures regarding GST compliance and remittance” in the larger public interest. “The concerns reflect a need for enhanced public facilitation and awareness,” the commission observed, adding that the move is in line with the spirit of the RTI Act to promote transparency and informed citizen participation. The observations came while disposing of a second appeal filed by an applicant who had sought clarifications on issues such as verifying whether GST collected by vendors is deposited with the government and whether consumers can directly remit GST.

The commission, however, upheld the response of the Central Public Information Officer, noting that the queries raised were “largely in the nature of seeking clarifications, opinions, explanations and hypothetical scenarios,” and therefore do not fall within the definition of “information” under the RTI Act. However, Information Commissioner Vinod Kumar Tiwari said the “advisory is being issued keeping in view the spirit of the RTI Act.”