From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 7: Even as economic activities have started resuming following the lifting of lockdown restrictions in most parts of the state, chief minister B S Yediyurappa asked the officers of the Commercial Taxes Department to be more vigilant and prevent tax evasion.

Reviewing the functioning of the Commercial Taxes Department, which comes under his direct control, the chief minister advised the officers to be very strict and firm in enforcing the rules and regulations to ensure that the state receives as much revenue as possible.

The lockdown situation and the suspension of commercial, business and industrial activities following the coronavirus pandemic all over the state and the rest of the country, Yediyurappa said the state government was hard-pressed to mobilize resources to carry out its activities.

E-way bills and the concessions offered for transportation of goods were likely to be misused and the department needs to be vigilant to root out the fake e-way bills and other illegal activities.

At the same time, the chief minister asked the officers not to cause unnecessary problems or harassment to genuine traders and transporters as they were essential for sustaining the economy.

Chief secretary, T M Vijayabhaskar, additional chief secretary of the Finance Department, I N S Prasad, commercial taxes department commissioner, M S Srikara and other senior officials attended the review meeting held at the home office of the chief minister in Bengaluru on Thursday.