Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (PMD)
Mangaluru, Sep 15: Department of Commerce, St Agnes College, here, on Friday, September 15, kicked off the two-day inter-collegiate workshop on GST.
Apart from creating an overall understanding of the new tax regime, the workshop worked towards leveraging the skills of commerce and management students, as they step into the professional world.
C A Paul Verghese was the chief guest of the programme. Alumna of the institute and a C A, Daphne D'Souza conducted the workshop.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by dignitaries on stage.
About 180 students, mostly third-year graduates, from various colleges of the city including St Agnes College, Canara College, St Aloysius College, University College, Mahesh College and the faculty from Alvas, were present for the workshop.
The two-day programme which aims to provide a holistic understanding of GST will include technical and conceptual details. Day one will cover the basics - the changes in the constitution, what is GST, how different is GST from its precursor, the concept of supply, the levy of GST - supplies liable to IGST, SGST, CGST, registration - stages, kinds for different businesses, and a demonstration of the registration.
Day two, Saturday, September 16, will cover payments, GST returns and transition, and will come to a close with the valedictory programme.
Paul Verghese, in his address, said, "GST is the revolutionary vehicle of change for the economy and finance. Senior director for Indirect Tax in Deloitte, MS Mani had said 'GST has been changing radically, with innumerable notifications and clarifications'. There is a need to understand this system in its entirety. And this workshop is a means to it.
"Death and taxes are inevitable. But now there is something even more compulsive - GST. That is when the role of a commerce or finance professional becomes relevant. Knowledge of GST is fundamental to any profession and useful even for those aiming for further education. How you spend the next two days here grappling with the intricacies of the new legislation called GST, is going to decide your future. General knowledge and domain knowledge enhances job opportunities. Your opportunities are unlimited. Hope this workshop changes your perspective and makes you efficient and competent professionals, so employers are keen on having you on board.
"GST is complicated. But the more difficult something is, the more it will be a challenge. And because it is so, a professional can add value. Being knowledgeable is prime. Knowledge is power. You are fortunate to have an institute like this to help you build knowledge and value, and have CA Daphne here, who has built up her career handling indirect taxes. GST is the essence of indirect tax. All indirect taxes is distilled into GST. You are going to have the essence of what Daphne has learnt in her career, through this workshop," he said.
Throughout the workshop, "Be proactive, put your thinking caps on, question and clarify doubts," he urged.
Sr Jeswina congratulated the commerce department " This workshop is helpful in enhancing corporate job opportunities, and a step towards lessening the evils of corruption and establishing justice and peace in the society."
CA Daphne said, " When I started out in Deloitte, I was asked if I was ready to jump the gun, bite the bullet and take the bull by its horns. It confused me then, but now I know what MS Mani meant. GST is that gun. Study in this field in India started just three months ago. This workshop puts you on the same line with the CA students who are fresh into learning the concepts of the new system."
She urged students to be interactive and proactive and kick started the workshop with genesis of the concept and the constitutional developments around it. Throughout the day, basics of GST will be covered.
Head of department of Commerce, Devi Prabha Alva introduced the guests and welcomed the gathering. Principal Sr Jeswina encouraged the students to make the best use of the GST workshop in enhancing their knowledge and fighting the darkness of corruption with the news system. Faculty of commerce, and staff coordinator, Mural Cutinha, proposed the vote of thanks.