Lucknow, Jan 2 (IANS): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has authorised officials in the rank of additional chief secretary to take state-owned helicopters to visit commissioner headquarters for raising tax collection.

The Chief Minister said during a meeting that officials responsible for tax collections should carry out regular field visits. He asked three principal secretaries -- excise, stamp and registration, and power departments -- to visit the eight divisions of the state.

"We have been told to visit two divisions a day. Each division should be reviewed separately. To ensure we are able to complete work on time, the Chief Minister told us to use state helicopters," said a senior official.

The state has about 14 lakh registered traders and the Chief Minister has directed officials to increase this number to at least 50 lakh since Uttar Pradesh is a largely consumer state.

Interestingly, Uttar Pradesh's tax collection has registered an increase despite the economic slowdown in the country.

According to official sources, in November, collections were about 12.4 per cent which is higher compared to the corresponding period in 2018.