FM Sitharaman Inaugurates State-of-the-Art CGST Bhawan in Ghaziabad

In a major step towards building robust and citizen-centric tax infrastructure, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, inaugurated the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Bhawan in Ghaziabad on October 24, 2025. The newly constructed facility, located on Rani Jhansi Marg (Hapur Chungi), was launched in the presence of senior officials from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), trade and industry representatives, and other dignitaries.

A Monument to Transparent and Technology-Driven Tax Governance

Describing the CGST Bhawan as a symbol of modern India's commitment to good governance, Finance Minister Sitharaman emphasized that the new facility reflects the government's focus on efficiency, innovation, transparency, and public service. She noted that the building stands not merely as an administrative complex, but as a centre of taxpayer empowerment and engagement.

"Infrastructure must align with innovation, and efficiency must align with empathy," she stated.

Smt. Sitharaman commended the CBIC for its ongoing commitment to digital transformation and clean tax administration, urging officers to uphold values of empathy, courtesy, and integrity in their daily interactions with the public.

Institutional Integrity: Time-Bound Accountability

In a clear message reinforcing institutional accountability, the Finance Minister stressed the need for swift and just disciplinary actions against erring officials. She called on CBIC's field formations to conclude disciplinary proceedings within prescribed time limits as laid down by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

"Swift conclusions uphold accountability. Misconduct will not be tolerated, and innocent officers deserve timely exoneration," she said.

She proposed a powerful motto for CBIC personnel: "गलत किया तो खैर नहीं, सही किया तो कोई बैर नहीं" (If you are wrong, there's no leniency; if you are right, there's no hostility.)

GST 2.0 and Economic Growth

The event coincided with the successful rollout of GST 2.0, which the Finance Minister hailed as a game-changing reform. She noted that GST 2.0 has garnered international attention and served as a catalyst for economic activity, particularly during the festive seasons of Navratri and Diwali, leading to a surge in employment, production, and online transactions.

"GST 2.0 is not just a tax reform — it is a reflection of India's progressive economic vision," she said.

The Minister appreciated CBIC for implementing the reforms ahead of the Diwali deadline set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demonstrating efficiency and commitment to national timelines.

A Green and Inclusive Administrative Landmark

The CGST Bhawan, constructed at a cost of ₹116 crore, is a modern, environmentally conscious, and citizen-friendly administrative facility built by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). Spread across 2.21 acres, the complex includes two basements and seven floors, with parking facilities for nearly 300 vehicles.

This is the largest government office complex constructed by CPWD in Ghaziabad and houses:

• CGST Commissionerate, Ghaziabad

• CGST Audit Commissionerate

• CGST Appeals Commissionerate

• Pay & Accounts Office

The consolidation of multiple units under one roof promotes operational synergy, interdepartmental coordination, and improved service delivery.

Award-Winning Sustainable Architecture

The CGST Bhawan has been recognized with the 2024 GRIHA Exemplary Performance Award and has earned a Five-Star rating from GRIHA, India's prestigious green building certification body. The complex integrates multiple eco-friendly features:

• Solar Power Plant

• Rainwater Harvesting System

• Smart Energy Monitoring

• Solid Waste Management Unit

• Waste-to-Pencil Conversion Facility

These green innovations underscore the government's push for sustainable infrastructure development and set a model for future public buildings.

Designed for Inclusivity and Efficiency

The new Bhawan is equipped with cutting-edge facilities tailored to the needs of both taxpayers and employees:

• GST Sewa Kendra

• Taxpayers' Lounge and Digital Self-Learning Kiosk (GST Saarthi)

• Spacious Waiting Areas and Accessible Walkways

• Multipurpose Auditorium and High-Tech Conference Room

• Library with Diverse Thematic Collections

• Fully Equipped Gymnasium

• Creche and Women's Rest Area to support working mothers

Such amenities reflect a conscious effort to build not just office spaces but community-oriented, inclusive work environments.

A Vision for the Future

The Finance Minister urged the tax administration to continue building upon its transformation journey, ensuring that every reform is grounded in empathy and responsiveness. She reaffirmed that the ultimate aim of reforms is to ease compliance for honest taxpayers, enabling a more collaborative and trust-based relationship between the state and citizens.

The event also featured addresses by:

• Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, CBIC — who detailed CBIC's focus on digitalization and taxpayer-centric governance

• Shri Sanjay Mangal, Chief Commissioner, CGST Meerut Zone — who delivered the Vote of Thanks

Also in attendance were:

• Shri Surjit Bhujabal, CBIC Member (Zonal)

• Senior officials from central and state departments

• Representatives from trade bodies and tax professional associations

The inauguration of the CGST Bhawan, Ghaziabad, is more than a ceremonial event. It represents a paradigm shift in how tax administration is envisioned in a New India — one that is green, inclusive, transparent, and digitally empowered. As India continues to reform its indirect tax framework and simplify compliance, institutions like CGST Bhawan will serve as pillars of responsive governance and public service excellence.