FM Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurates State-of-the-Art CGST Bhawan in Ghaziabad — A Landmark of Modern Governance, Innovation, and Efficiency in India’s Next-Generation Tax Infrastructure

Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, today on October 24, 2025 inaugurated the newly-constructed Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Bhawan, located on Rani Jhansi Marg (Hapur Chungi), Ghaziabad, in the presence of senior officers of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), trade representatives, and other dignitaries.

In her address, the Union Finance Minister lauded the efforts of CBIC and its field formations in strengthening India’s tax administration and advancing a transparent, citizen-centric governance framework. Smt. Sitharaman emphasised on technology-driven compliance with simplified procedures, enhanced transparency, and voluntary participation among taxpayers.

The Union Finance Minister stated that timely disciplinary action shows that the institution holds its own officers to high standards of professionalism and integrity, and added:

• Disciplinary proceedings against the officials at different levels in the CGST field formations be concluded expeditiously in a time-bound manner within prescribed timelines given by DoPT and CVC.
• Swift conclusion of disciplinary proceedings reinforces accountability within the organisation.

Smt. Sitharaman said that these proceedings send a clear message that misconduct, dereliction of duty, or unethical behaviour will not be tolerated.

Prolonged proceedings unfairly affect the morale and reputation of the officers involved – particularly the innocent. For those wrongfully accused, early closure brings relief and restoration of dignity, She added.

The Union Finance Minister also exhorted that motto for CBIC should be: “गलत किया तो खैर नहीं, सही किया तो कोई बैर नहीं ”.

The Union Finance Minister stressed upon the need for the next generation revenue infrastructure to work in tune with the next generation taxation, and called for greater empathy, greater courtesy, and greater integrity on part of all tax officers.

FM Smt. Sitharaman said that the ultimate goal of reforms is to make life easier for honest taxpayers, and make them feel comfortable about every change being made in the existing statutory framework.  She described the new CGST Bhawan, Ghaziabad, as a symbol of modern India’s commitment to good governance — where infrastructure meets innovation and efficiency aligns with empathy.

Elaborating on the recently launched GST 2.0, the Union Finance Minister noted that it has created a remarkable global buzz and stands as a symbol of India’s progressive economic vision. She highlighted that the reform has generated significant employment opportunities during the festive season of Navratri and Diwali and has made life easier for the common man — a fact reflected in the surge of purchases, production, and online transactions following its implementation. Smt. Sitharaman commended the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) for its efficiency and appreciated the successful rollout of GST 2.0 ahead of the Diwali deadline set by the Prime Minister.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, CBIC, highlighted the department’s unwavering focus on efficient taxpayer services, digital transformation, and sustainable infrastructure.

The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Shri Sanjay Mangal, Chief Commissioner, CGST Meerut Zone.

Shri Surjit Bhujabal, Member (Zonal), other Members and senior officers of CBIC; Commissioner, CGST Ghaziabad; senior officials from Centre and State departments, and members of the trade and tax professional associations, were also present on the occasion.

The CGST Bhawan, Ghaziabad, stands as a symbol of modern, green, and citizen-oriented administrative infrastructure. According to the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), it is the largest government office complex constructed by CPWD in Ghaziabad.

Bringing together under one roof the offices of CGST in Ghaziabad, including CGST Commissionerate, CGST Audit Commissionerate & CGST Appeals Commissionerate, and the Pay & Accounts Office, the complex exemplifies administrative synergy and operational efficiency. Spread across 2.21 acres, the state-of-the-art green complex comprises two basements and seven floors, with parking for nearly 300 vehicles, built at a total cost of ₹116 crore.

Designed as a comprehensive, inclusive, and citizen-friendly service hub, the CGST Bhawan houses a GST Sewa Kendra, Taxpayers’ Lounge, Self-Learning Digital Kiosk – GST Saarthi, well-appointed waiting areas, and walkways.

Winner of the 2024 GRIHA Exemplary Performance Award and rated Five-Star by GRIHA, the building incorporates several eco-friendly features, including a solar power plant, rainwater harvesting system, smart energy meters, waste-to-pencil unit, and solid waste management system.

Special features of the building include a creche and rest area for working mothers, a fully equipped gymnasium, a multipurpose auditorium, thematically diversified library, and a high-tech conference cum capacity building room.

Strategically located in the industrial hub of the National Capital Region, the CGST Bhawan, Ghaziabad, stands as a landmark of coordinated, transparent, and taxpayer-friendly governance — reflecting the Department’s continuous evolution towards excellence in public service.

The Press Release can be accessed at: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2182212