AGARTALA, Oct 13 (TIWN): :After change of guard of finance department from Badal Chowdhury to Bhanu Lal Saha , the revenue generation has decreased drastically. Compared to last year, this festival season only in September revenue collected was five times less . Last year in September, sale tax authority seized goods worth Rs 60 lakh for not paying tax, This year in September only Rs 12 lakh goods were seized. Surprisingly, the finance department is not bothered about decline in revenue generation.

In Agartala airport there is a notified checkpost of sales tax  department. The vigilance department is in charge of the checkpost. For last few months one inspector is manning the check post. Traders developed an unholy nexus  reportedly with  employees of the airport in evading taxes brought by planes.This trends increases during the festive seasons.

 Last year  goods were brought by  trains and  vehicles during that time from airport goods worth Rs 60 lakh was seized . This festive season train service has stopped due to broad gauge conversion and vehicular movement has collapsed due to poor condition of NH 44.  Only alternative way remaining for traders for brining garments and other items is air service. Even being aware about this, the finance department did not strengthen   the check post at airport this festive season.

It is alleged after change of guard of finance department a section corrupt officials rose to action.  During the time of Baal Chowdhury those officials used to perform the duties of a clerk now they are enjoying important posts in the department.

According to report in September this year goods worth Rs 20 – 30  lakhs entered the state through airport by evading taxes. The sale tax department is the main revenue generation for finance department.  Due to corrupt officials in sales tax department and unawareness of finance minister Bhanu Lal Saha will affect revenue generation in  state’s coffer.