8 years of GST: CBIC celebrates 'Sundays on Cycle'

IANS May 18, 2025 230 views

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) celebrated eight years of Goods and Services Tax through an innovative nationwide cyclothon called "Sundays on Cycle". The event, coordinated with the Fit India Movement, aimed to engage citizens and raise awareness about GST's transformational impact on India's taxation system. CBIC set up help desks, distributed informational materials, and involved Bollywood celebrities to make the celebration more engaging. The initiative demonstrates CBIC's commitment to public outreach and education about tax reforms.

"GST has unified around 30 different indirect taxes into a single, transparent tax structure" - Shashank Priya, CBIC Member (GST)
New Delhi, May 18: In the run-up to the completion of eight years of GST, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), in coordination with the ‘Fit India Movement’, on Sunday organised a nationwide cyclothon titled “Sundays on Cycle”.

Key Points

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CBIC organized nationwide cyclothon to celebrate GST's 8-year journey

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Event highlighted tax reforms and simplification

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Bollywood celebrities support the initiative

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Digital resources made GST information accessible

Shashank Priya, Member (GST), CBIC, highlighted the transformational impact of GST on the Indian taxation system and emphasised how GST has unified around 30 different indirect taxes into a single, transparent tax structure, thereby simplifying tax administration and compliance for both businesses and citizens.

Priya also apprised participants of the significant benefits extended to small taxpayers through initiatives such as the GST Composition Scheme and the Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) Scheme, which reduce compliance burden and foster ease of doing business.

The flagship event was organised at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, with more than 100 CGST commissionerates also participating across the country, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The Mumbai and Pune Zone of CGST also roped in Bollywood celebrities like Sunil Shetty, Milind Sonam and John Abraham.

At the venue in New Delhi, a dedicated GST help desk “Know About GST” was set up to engage with participants and to answer queries about GST.

To enhance accessibility and outreach, a wide array of informational brochures on key GST topics were distributed, and digital kiosks equipped with QR codes were strategically placed across the venue allowing participants to scan and download GST resource materials directly to their mobile devices.

Additionally, vibrant hoardings and banners highlighting key GST reforms and taxpayer-centric initiatives — especially for support for MSMEs, GST registration process, etc. — were prominently displayed.

Together, these efforts created a comprehensive and engaging environment, aligning with CBIC’s vision of brining GST closer to people through public engagement and education.

This initiative is yet another example of CBIC’s commitment to engaging with taxpayers and the general public through innovative and inclusive outreach programmes, celebrating both national health goals and the ongoing journey of GST reform, as India marks eight successful years under this landmark tax regime.

Reader Comments

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Rajesh K.
Great initiative by CBIC! As a small business owner, I've seen how GST simplified our tax filings. Earlier we had to deal with multiple taxes - VAT, service tax, excise etc. Now one return does it all. The QRMP scheme has been a lifesaver for cash flow management. 👍
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Priya M.
Combining fitness with tax awareness is such a desi jugaad! 😄 But seriously, GST has been a game-changer. I remember the long queues at tax offices pre-GST. Now most things can be done online. Though the portal could be more user-friendly sometimes...
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Amit S.
The concept is good but implementation needs work. Many small traders still struggle with monthly filings. Government should focus more on simplifying the process rather than celebrity endorsements. GST helped big companies more than small businesses in my opinion.
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Sunita R.
As a CA, I've seen both sides. GST brought transparency but also complexity in initial years. The recent reforms like e-invoicing are steps in right direction. Events like these help bridge gap between tax dept and common people. More regional language support would help!
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Vikram J.
GST made 'One Nation, One Tax' reality. Earlier, interstate goods movement was headache with octroi and state taxes. Now seamless credit across states. Though rates could be rationalized further - why 5 slabs? Should move to 3 slabs maximum for true simplification.
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Neha T.
Love the cycling event idea! 🚴‍♀️ GST has definitely reduced tax evasion and increased revenue. As consumer, I can see proper bills everywhere now. But please reduce GST on daily essentials - 18% on sanitary pads and 28% on biscuits is too much!

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Tags:
GST CBIC Tax Reform Cyclothon Fit India Movement Shashank Priya Taxation