Traders in Haryana are demanding a crackdown on corrupt GST officials, alleging that some officers are harassing businessmen for personal gain. The demand was made during a meeting of the Haryana Pradesh Vyapar Mandal in Sirsa, held under the chairmanship of its state president and former Haryana Confed chairman Bajrang Garg.
Traders allege harassment by GST officials
During the meeting, Garg alleged that some GST officials were harassing traders and creating fear among the business community. He said these officials were misusing their powers for personal benefit. According to Garg, this behavior is unacceptable and must be stopped immediately.
Garg urged the government to take strict action against officials found misusing their powers. He said that traders and industrialists are paying their taxes honestly and should not be subjected to unnecessary raids or harassment.
Vyapar Mandal's clear stance on tax evasion
The Haryana Pradesh Vyapar Mandal made it clear that it does not support those involved in tax evasion. However, Garg emphasized that honest traders should not be harassed. He pointed out that there is little scope for GST evasion as the system is already electronic and transparent.
"The traders and industrialists were paying taxes honestly and should not be subjected to unnecessary raids. While the Vyapar Mandal does not support those involved in tax evasion, the honest traders should not be harassed." — Bajrang Garg, State President, Haryana Pradesh Vyapar Mandal
Our Take: A demand for accountability
This is a straightforward demand from the trading community. They are not asking for special treatment — they are asking for protection from harassment. When honest taxpayers are afraid of the very officials who are supposed to ensure compliance, something is clearly broken.
In our view, the Haryana government should take this demand seriously. A crackdown on corrupt GST officials would not only protect honest traders but also improve tax compliance in the long run. When businesses trust the system, they are more likely to pay taxes willingly. The message from Sirsa is clear: punish the corrupt, protect the honest.