Cheema launches bilingual WhatsApp Chatbot-cum-helpline ‘eGST’

Chandigarh: In order to address the queries and issues of the taxpayers regarding Goods and Services Tax (GST), Punjab Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday launched a bilingual WhatsApp Chatbot-cum-helpline number 9160500033.

Launching this service while chairing the district-wise monthly review meeting of the Taxation Department, Harpal Singh Cheema said that anyone can WhatsApp in Punjabi or English to avail information regarding various aspects of GST. He said that this initiative has been launched in line with the policy of easing the delivery of services to the taxpayers besides strengthening the feedback mechanism.

Giving details regarding the services available at this Chatbot, the Finance Minister said that any citizen or trader can avail information regarding Registration, Return, Composition, Tax Payment, E-Way Bill, E-Invoice, Input Tax Credit, Citizen Related Information, Office or Officer Information, General Information regarding GST, Tips by WhatsApp on the helpline number 9160500033. He said that information regarding technical issues or complaints related to the GST portal can also be availed through this service.

Meanwhile, the Finance Minister also reviewed the district-wise performance of the Taxation department. Appreciating the performance of the leading districts, Cheema advised the district-level officers to individually learn from the performance of each other to further improve their professional strengths. He also asked them to adopt a courteous approach towards taxpayers and come out with innovative measures to convince the taxpayers that the department was working to facilitate them.

Prominent amongst others, Secretary Taxation Ajoy Sarma, Commissioner Taxation Kamal Kishore Yadav, Additional Commissioner (Audit) Ravneet Khurana) and Additional Commissioner (Investigation) Viraj S. Tidke were present in the meeting.