VIA Taxation & Corporate Law Forum organised an Interactive Session cum Presentation on “Sabka Vishwas (Legacy Dispute Resolution) Scheme” in presence of H R Bheemashankar, Chief Commissioner of CGST Nagpur; P K Agrawal, Principal Commissioner of CGST Nagpur-1 and Sanjay Rathi, Commissioner of CGST Nagpur-2 today at VIA Auditorium.
H R Bheemashankar, Hon’ble Chief Commissioner of CGST, Nagpur addressed the said “Industrial fraternity and professionals is an important link between Department and Assesses to disseminate the benefits of ‘Sabka Vishwas’ (Legacy Dispute Resolution) Scheme, 2019 of the Govt of India.” He further said Sabka Vishwas (Legacy Dispute Resolution) Scheme is a one-time measure which not only allows entire waiver of interest and penalties but also waiver from tax dues upto 70% depending upon the nature of dispute and its pendency at various stages.
The objective of organising this session was to encourage voluntary disclosure of past disputes of Central Excise, Service-Tax and 26 other Indirect-tax enactments; to facilitate an eligible person to declare the unpaid tax dues and pay the same as per provisions of this scheme; to provide certain immunities, including penalty, interest or any other proceedings including prosecution, to eligible persons who pay the declared tax dues. The scheme comes with a validity of 4 months starting from September 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019.
Bheemashankar said that a concern always remains for the success of any proposition of Government of India. After advent of GST Regime, sincere feeling was to get rid of the pendency’s with respect to the litigations and cases concerning Service Tax and Excise duty matters. This Sabka Vishwas Scheme, 2019 which started from 01st September’2019 and is in force up to 31st December’2019 only is wonderful opportunity and large hearted scheme given by Government to end all disputes.
He briefed about the scheme and ensured all possible help to extend benefits of the scheme to the eligible dealers. Benefits under the Scheme explained by him was as under- Total waiver of interest and penalty; Immunity from prosecution; Cases pending in adjudication or appeal, a relief of 70% from the duty demand if it is Rs. fifty lakh or less and 50% if it is more than Rs. fifty lakhs. The same relief for cases under investigation and audit where the duty involved is quantified on or before 30th June, 2019. In case of an amount in arrears, the relief offered is 60% of the confirmed duty amount if the same is Rs. fifty lakhs or less and it is 40% in other cases. In cases of voluntary disclosure, the declarant will have to pay only the full amount of disclosed duty without any interest / penalty.
P K Agrawal, Principal Commissioner of CGST Nagpur-1 also effectively conveyed to use full benefit of the scheme. He appealed to spread words of knowledge among the respective clients to take due opportunity of the scheme. He shared his experience of dealing with the cases and said that – a person with well organized workings is always appreciated because he is the one, who is considered as well planned.
Sanjay Rathi, Commissioner, Nagpur-II emphasized that amount demanded in showcause notice cannot be challenged on merits. The amount qualify as “Tax dues” as defined in scheme. SVDRS scheme grants benefit of entire interest, penalty, and upto 50% – 70% of “tax dues”. Hence one has analyzed the scheme taking holistic view.
Suresh Rayalu, Sr Superintendent of Central GST, Central Excise, Nagpur – I, threw light with respect to various important clauses, benefits prescribed, etc. He with his powerpoint presentation, very effectively enlightened the audience with respect to the provisions of the scheme.
Earlier, CA Ashok Chandak, Chairman – VIA Taxation & Corporate Law Forum in his welcome address brief about the scheme and which will be beneficial for industrialists. He appreciated the move of the Government and said that it is need of the hour for the authorities, professionals and tax payers, as well to conclude the pending litigations. GST Regime which is sufficient to take care of the desired transparency in the matter of complying with provisions prevailing in country, requires reducing undue burden of disputed issues and concentrating in the matter of effective implementation of the provisions of GST.
Suresh Rathi, president VIA in his opening remarks welcomed the initiative by Department to conduct outreach programs in trade association. He observed that such hands on approach from the top departmental authorities will go long way in making this scheme a grand success.
Suresh Rathi, President – VIA welcomed H R Bheemashankar, Chief Commissioner – CGST Nagpur; CA Ashok Chandak, welcomed P K Agrawal, Principal Commissioner – CGST Nagpur-with floral bouquets and also present Mukul Patil and Brijendra Choudhari, Jt Commissioners of CGST Nagpur.
Hemant Rajandekar, Program Coordinator conducted the proceedings. CA Naresh Jakhotia, Treasurer – VIA proposed a formal vote of thanks. Prominently present were Prashant Mohota, former Vice President of VIA, Rakesh Khator, Director of Lighthouse systems, Shelendra Manawat, C V Banker from Malu Paper Mills; Nitin Jagnade from Nitika Pharma; M S Sharma from Chowdhary Packaging; CA Sachin Jajodia, CA Jethalal Rukhiyana, M K Jawangar, CA Mahendra Jain, Monika Rathi from SSRPN&Co.
