The Uttar Pradesh State Tax Department has transferred three Assistant Commissioners from their Flying Squad assignments due to failure in effectively curbing Goods and Services Tax (GST) evasion. Principal Secretary of the department, M. Devraj, took the disciplinary step citing negligence and underperformance in checking GST theft—an issue that has recently drawn the attention of the state’s top leadership.
The officers removed are:
- Ramesh Kumar Pandey, former in-charge of Flying Squad First Unit, Zone Gorakhpur, now posted as Assistant Commissioner, Tax Audit, Varanasi-I.
- Pushpraj Chaturvedi, former in-charge of Flying Squad Second Unit, Zone Gorakhpur, transferred to Assistant Commissioner, Tax Audit, Varanasi-II.
- Sandeep Kumar, former in-charge of Flying Squad Unit, Kushinagar, reassigned to Assistant Commissioner, Tax Audit, Gorakhpur.
These changes were made in response to repeated lapses in intercepting GST evasion activities and failing to meet inspection targets set for Flying Squads.
CM’s Directive Sparks Departmental Reforms
The disciplinary actions align with recent instructions from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who expressed displeasure during a high-level review meeting over the department’s inability to meet revenue targets. The CM specifically emphasized the need for robust action against GST evasion and directed senior officials to hold underperforming officers accountable.
Following the CM’s concerns, Principal Secretary M. Devraj has been conducting zone-wise reviews of departmental performance, focusing on revenue collection efficiency and GST compliance monitoring. The ongoing reviews are part of a broader strategy to close revenue gaps and reinforce tax enforcement mechanisms across Uttar Pradesh.
More Officers Under Scanner; Wider Action Likely
According to internal department sources, several other Flying Squad officers are also under scrutiny for similar failures. The department has reportedly received multiple complaints and internal reports pointing to administrative indifference and procedural lapses in preventing GST theft across various districts.
Investigations into these cases are currently underway, and sources suggest that more transfers or disciplinary actions could follow in the coming weeks. The move signals a clear warning to department personnel about the consequences of poor performance and negligence, especially in critical enforcement units.
The reshuffle also aims to reinvigorate the tax audit wing, where the reassigned officers will now serve. This shift is expected to bring better oversight and accountability within both auditing and field enforcement operations.