In a groundbreaking move to curb tax evasion, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that the state has started using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify tax evaders and enhance GST compliance. Addressing the GST ‘Jaagrookta Abhiyan’ at Prajna Bhavan, CM Saha emphasized the importance of tax collection for Tripura’s economic growth and infrastructure development.
With Tripura’s annual budget standing at ₹27,800 crore for the 2024-25 financial year, the government is keen on maximizing tax revenue to support development projects. The introduction of AI-driven tax monitoring aims to curb fraudulent input tax credits, prevent the misuse of the GST Analytics & Intelligence Network (GAIN), and ensure that all eligible taxpayers contribute their fair share.
Tripura’s Budget and Tax Revenue Challenges
CM Manik Saha highlighted the financial constraints of the state, explaining that out of the ₹27,800 crore annual budget, Tripura’s own revenue accounts for ₹3,700 crore. After covering non-plan expenditures, such as salaries, pensions, loan repayments, and interest payments, only ₹10,000 crore remains for development initiatives.
Additionally, the state is required to allocate:
- 25% of its revenue (₹3,700 crore) to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC)
- 10% to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
With these financial commitments, Tripura’s government is focusing on increasing tax compliance to ensure sustainable growth.
AI-Powered Tax Monitoring System to Curb Tax Evasion
To address tax evasion in Tripura, the state government has implemented AI technology to:
- Detect fraudulent input tax credits
- Monitor the misuse of GST Analytics & Intelligence Network (GAIN)
- Identify businesses and individuals evading GST payments
- Improve overall tax compliance and transparency
CM Saha stated that AI-driven tax analytics will majorly enhance the efficiency of the tax department by identifying discrepancies, fraudulent claims, and tax defaulters in real time.
The Importance of Tax Compliance for Tripura’s Development
The chief minister urged the public to pay their GST dues, highlighting their crucial role in Tripura’s progress. He stated that higher tax collection would directly lead to:
- Improved infrastructure
- Better public services
- Accelerated economic growth
CM Saha stressed that those who evade GST payments should be brought into the tax system to ensure that the government has sufficient funds to build roads, healthcare facilities, and other infrastructure projects.
Tripura’s Contribution to ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’
The chief minister linked Tripura’s tax reforms to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. He emphasized that for India to achieve this ambitious goal, each state must achieve economic prosperity by ensuring maximum tax compliance.
Tripura’s use of Artificial Intelligence in tax monitoring aligns with the central government’s Digital India initiative, promoting efficiency, transparency, and accountability in tax collection.
How AI is Transforming Tax Administration in Tripura?
The integration of AI in tax monitoring has several advantages:
- Automated fraud detection – AI can quickly analyze large sets of tax data and flag suspicious transactions.
- Predictive analysis – AI can identify businesses that are likely to evade taxes based on their financial patterns.
- Real-time monitoring – Authorities can track transactions and tax payments in real-time.
- Reduced manual errors – AI minimizes human intervention, leading to fewer errors and improved accuracy.
With AI-powered tax analytics, Tripura’s tax department is now better equipped to handle complex tax fraud cases and ensure that all taxpayers comply with GST regulations.
Public Awareness and Role of Businesses in Tax Compliance
The ‘GST Jaagrookta Abhiyan’ aims to educate businesses and individuals about the importance of tax compliance. The government encourages businesses to:
- File accurate GST returns
- Avoid fraudulent tax claims
- Contribute to the state’s economic growth by paying taxes on time
CM Saha reiterated that tax evasion harms development and that public participation is essential in ensuring a fair and transparent tax system.
Tripura’s adoption of Artificial Intelligence to identify tax evaders marks a noteworthy step towards improving tax compliance and ensuring financial stability. CM Manik Saha’s emphasis on maximizing tax revenue aligns with the broader goal of achieving infrastructure development and economic growth in the state.
With AI-powered tax monitoring and public cooperation, Tripura is setting an example for other states in leveraging technology to combat tax evasion and contribute to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
