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Key Points

Maharashtra's Leader of the Opposition Ambadas Danve has raised serious concerns about potential unauthorized sharing of GST registration data. He wrote to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighting suspicious bank calls following GST registrations, suggesting possible data leaks. Danve argues that confidential taxpayer information might be unlawfully accessed or sold by GST department officials. He is demanding a comprehensive investigation to protect taxpayer rights and maintain institutional integrity.

Key Points: Danve Flags GST Data Breach Concerns to Sitharaman

  • Maharashtra LoP demands high-level inquiry into potential GST data leak
  • Unexpected bank calls raise suspicion of unauthorized information sharing
  • Calls for strict action to protect taxpayer privacy
  • Highlights potential systemic breach in GST department
2 min read

Investigate potential breach of GST data and unauthorised selling: Maha LoP

Maharashtra LoP Ambadas Danve urges probe into potential GST data confidentiality violations and unauthorized information sharing

"It is highly alarming to observe that such sensitive information appears to be reaching third-party entities without the consent of the taxpayer - Ambadas Danve"

Mumbai, May 12

Maharashtra Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Ambadas Danve, on Monday, appealed to the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to hold a probe into the possible breach of GST data confidentiality and unauthorised data sharing.

In a letter, Danve urged the FM to initiate a high-level inquiry into the matter immediately, identify and take strict action against individuals or groups found guilty, strengthen internal controls to ensure data confidentiality and issue necessary advisories to safeguard taxpayers’ information effectively.

He hoped that prompt and strict action would be taken to maintain the integrity of the system and to protect the rights and privacy of honest taxpayers.

“Recently, after a client’s GST registration was completed and the registration certificate was issued, there was an unexpected surge in unsolicited phone calls from various banks offering to open current accounts in the firm’s name. This sudden outreach, immediately after the GST registration, raises a serious concern about the unauthorised access and misuse of sensitive taxpayers’ information,” said Danve.

He further stated that GST data is supposed to be strictly confidential under the provisions of the GST Act and related regulations.

“It is highly alarming to observe that such sensitive information appears to be reaching third-party entities without the consent of the taxpayer. This leads to the strong suspicion that certain officials within the GST Department might be unlawfully selling or leaking this data,” claimed Danve.

“Moreover, there is an apprehension that competition may also be gaining access to confidential customer details, thereby affecting fair business practices. This situation not only constitutes a severe breach of privacy but also undermines the trust placed by citizens in government institutions. Such violations must be taken extremely seriously,” he argued.

He reiterated a thorough investigation into the possible breach of GST data confidentiality.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is really concerning! I faced the same issue last month after registering my small business for GST. Suddenly started getting calls from banks and insurance agents. Government must take strict action against data leaks. Our privacy shouldn't be compromised like this. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
While the concern is valid, I wonder why this issue is being raised now when GST has been implemented for years. Shouldn't data protection measures have been in place from day one? Hope the investigation brings transparency.
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Amit S.
Data security is a serious matter yaar! If officials are really selling our information, they should be punished severely. This is like betrayal of public trust. Government should implement blockchain technology for GST data maybe?
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Sunita R.
Same problem here! Registered my boutique last year and within days was flooded with calls about loans, credit cards and what not. It's so frustrating! Good that someone is finally raising this issue in parliament. Hope FM takes quick action 🤞
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Vikram J.
This is why Digital India needs stronger cyber laws. We're moving everything online but security isn't keeping pace. Not just GST, even after getting PAN card, similar spam calls start. Entire system needs overhaul.
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Neha P.
While data breach is serious, let's not jump to conclusions. Couldn't this information be leaking from other sources too? Like when we share GST details with CAs or vendors? Proper investigation needed before blaming officials.

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