In connection with the celebration of GST Day 2025, marking eight years since the rollout of India’s most defining tax reform, the Central Tax & Central Excise, Thiruvananthapuram Zone, held a press conference in Kochi today. Addressing the media, Shri Shaikh Khader Rahman, Chief Commissioner of Central Tax, Central Excise & Customs, Thiruvananthapuram Zone, described the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as the biggest tax reform in independent India.

Highlighting that the Thiruvananthapuram Zone has added another feather to its cap, Shri Rahman said that the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) have conferred a ‘Commendation Certificate’ on the Thiruvananthapuram CGST Zone for its outstanding performance in two key areas of GST administration.

The recognition was based on exceptional performance in processing GST registrations—with 55% of applications processed within 7 days, significantly higher than the national average of 17%—and in the disposal of GST appeals, where 83% of appeals filed during the year were successfully resolved, he noted.

Speaking about the Zone's strong performance in GST revenue collection, the Chief Commissioner stated that GST revenue in the first two months of FY 2025–26 registered an impressive growth of 18%, while Central Excise revenue saw a growth rate of 14%. He also informed that the enforcement and audit wings—the two pillars of investigation and compliance—booked cases involving tax evasion worth Rs. 580 crore.

While detailing various key initiatives undertaken by the Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin, and Kozhikode Commissionerates during GST Pakhwada 2025, Shri Rahman stated that GST Helpdesks were set up at the Commissionerate Headquarters and across all Divisions in Cochin, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram to address taxpayer queries and enhance facilitation. These dedicated helpdesks successfully resolved around 200 taxpayer grievances during the period, he added.

As part of the ‘FIT India’ campaign, Cycle Marathons were conducted on 18 May 2025 across all three Commissionerates. Additionally, the Thiruvananthapuram Commissionerate organized GST-themed competitions—such as quizzes, essay writing, poster design, and extempore speeches—across 20 schools, along with a variety of outreach and creative awareness activities.

The theme for this year’s celebration is 'GST – Simplifying Taxes: Empowering Citizens.' The GST Day celebrations by the Thiruvananthapuram Zone will be held on 1 July 2025 in Thiruvananthapuram. Shri K. N. Balagopal, Minister for Finance, Government of Kerala, will attend the event as the Chief  Guest and actor  Shri Mohanlal will be the  Guest of Honour .