Team News Riveting
Raipur, November 2
Chhattisgarh goods and services tax (GST) had recorded a surge of 26 per cent in October 2020 as compared to previous year’s corresponding period.
The mineral-rich state along with Andhra Pradesh had recorded the highest spike in GST collection in October 2020 at Rs 404 crore and Rs 505 crore respectively as compared to last year in the corresponding month.
The two states recorded a spike of 26 per cent this year despite the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chhattisgarh recorded a GST collection of Rs 1,974 crore in October 2020 as compared to Rs 1,570 crore in the same month in 2019.
“Far-sighted decisions taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel to maintain the growth of the state’s economy during the Corona crisis have yielded pleasant results,” a state government spokesperson said.
Even during the lockdown period, economic activities in rural and forest areas continued. Under Kisaan Nyay Yojana, 19 lakh farmers of the state have been receiving payment for paddy procurement in regular intervals. On the occasion of Rajyotsav, Rs 1500 crore was transferred into the accounts of farmers as the third installment of the scheme. Two installments of Rs 1500 crore each have been provided to the farmers in the past. Under Godhan Nyay Yojana as well, nearly Rs 40 crore has been paid to the farmers and cattle ranchers for dung procurement in gauthans.
On the initiatives of Panchayat and Rural Development and GST Minister TS Singhdeo, a large number of people in rural areas were provided employment under MNREGA during the corona crisis. This has helped in strengthening the rural economy. Improvement in spending power of people has benefited the industrial and commerce sector as well.
Meanwhile, procurement of forest produce by self-help groups also continued in forest regions. A 30 per cent concession was provided on government guideline rates on land transactions to keep the real estate sector active. Automobile sector has also performed well. During lockdown, production in steel industries and work in coal mines also went on uninterrupted.
