Durg, Chhattisgarh — In a proactive initiative aimed at educating local businesses on Goods and Services Tax (GST) compliance, the Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industries, in partnership with local authorities, has announced a comprehensive GST Awareness Program. The program, set to take place across four key circles in the Durg Division, will commence in October 2024. This initiative is part of the Chamber’s ongoing Technical Chamber Initiative, specifically designed to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) better navigate GST regulations and improve compliance.
Empowering Businesses Through GST Compliance Knowledge
The Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industries recognizes that many business owners, especially SMEs, struggle to keep up with the constantly evolving GST rules. Non-compliance can result in heavy penalties, operational disruptions, and unnecessary complications in tax filing. To address these concerns, the Chamber is offering a series of educational programs that will focus on:
- Understanding GST filing procedures
- Common errors in GST submissions
- How to avoid penalties for non-compliance
- The long-term benefits of staying GST compliant
- Practical advice on managing GST-related issues
Event Schedule Across Durg Division
The GST Awareness Program will be conducted in four different circles of the Durg Division to ensure accessibility for all business owners. Each session will include talks by experts from the Chamber’s Technical Chamber Team, addressing the most pressing concerns of the business community. The schedule for these events is as follows:
- Durg Circle-1: October 5, 2024
- Durg Circle-2: October 12, 2024
- Durg Circle-3: October 19, 2024
- Durg Circle-4: October 26, 2024
Expert Speakers from the Technical Chamber Team
The sessions will be led by a diverse panel of experts, including Chartered Accountants and seasoned business professionals who bring their expertise in taxation and compliance to the table. Some of the key speakers include:
- Sanjay Gehani – Business & GST Advisor
- Bholanath Seth – Serial Entrepreneur – Fintech, Industrials
- CA Rahul Batra – Chartered Accountant
- Om Prakesh Sharma – Business Consultant
- CA Chinay Solanki – Chartered Accountant
- CA Dinesh Andani – Chartered Accountant
These experts will not only explain the intricacies of GST but also provide actionable strategies that local businesses can implement to streamline their GST filing processes.
Topics Covered in the GST Awareness Program
The GST Awareness Program will focus on the following topics to empower SMEs and other local businesses with comprehensive GST knowledge:
- Understanding GST Structure
A clear breakdown of how GST is structured in India, including the tax slab system and input tax credit mechanisms. - Common Mistakes in GST Filing
Identifying and correcting common errors made during the filing of GST returns, such as incorrect entries, missing invoices, and wrong input tax credit claims. - Penalties and Fees for Non-compliance
Detailed insights into the consequences of late or incorrect filings, including monetary penalties and legal repercussions. - Importance of Timely Compliance
How adhering to deadlines and maintaining compliance records can positively affect business operations and cash flow. - Practical GST Filing Tips for SMEs
Simplified guidelines for GST return filing, especially for small businesses that may not have dedicated accounting teams.
GST Awareness for Chhattisgarh’s Business Growth
The GST Awareness Program is part of a broader effort by the Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industries to boost business confidence and operational efficiency across the state. The Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Durg has always played a vital role in promoting industry growth and addressing business challenges. Through programs like this, the Chamber aims to build a more GST-compliant business environment that will contribute to long-term economic stability and growth.
Feedback from Local Businesses
Several local businesses have expressed their eagerness to participate in the program. According to Rajesh Agrawal, a local retailer in Durg, “GST has always been challenging for small businesses like ours. We appreciate the Chamber’s efforts in providing much-needed clarity. These sessions will definitely help us avoid unnecessary penalties.”
Similarly, other business owners believe that this initiative is timely, especially as the government continues to streamline GST rules. “For us, compliance means survival. Without proper knowledge, it’s easy to make mistakes that can cost us a lot in penalties,” said Sunita Verma, owner of a small manufacturing unit in Durg.
Video Awareness Campaign
In addition to the physical awareness sessions, the Chamber has also planned a Video Awareness Campaign to further expand its outreach. This initiative will involve a series of educational videos that will address various aspects of GST compliance, ensuring that businesses that cannot attend the physical sessions still have access to vital information. These videos will be available on the Chamber’s website and social media channels, making it easier for business owners to access expert advice at their convenience.
Key Highlights of the Video Series
- Sanjay Gehani will lead the series by introducing the vision and objectives of the Technical Chamber Initiative.
- CA Rahul Batra will cover the basics of GST filing and how to avoid common mistakes.
- Om Prakesh Sharma will focus on the importance of staying compliant with GST rules to avoid legal issues.
- CA Chinay Solanki will delve into sector-specific GST rules for industries such as retail, manufacturing, and services.
These videos will complement the physical sessions and provide a reference point for businesses that wish to review the information at their own pace.
Statement from Ajay Bhasin, General Secretary, Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce & Industries
“We are committed to supporting the business community in overcoming GST challenges. Through this GST Awareness Program, we aim to empower business owners with the knowledge they need to remain compliant and avoid costly mistakes. GST compliance is not just a legal obligation but a pathway to smoother business operations and sustainable growth. I believe our Technical Chamber Team will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this initiative, and we encourage all local businesses to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Ajay Bhasin, General Secretary of the Chamber.
About the Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce & Industries
Founded to promote the growth and development of businesses across Chhattisgarh, the Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce & Industries is a key player in advocating for the interests of SMEs, MSMEs, and larger corporations in the state. The Chamber provides essential resources, including:
- Guidance on taxation and regulatory compliance
- Business advocacy and representation
- Networking opportunities for local businesses
- Training and development programs focused on emerging business needs
The Chamber is dedicated to fostering a business-friendly environment in Chhattisgarh and helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges related to taxation, government regulations, and market opportunities.
Join the Movement – Empower Your Business with GST Knowledge
The Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce & Industries invites all local businesses in the Durg Division to participate in this vital initiative. Whether you’re a small business owner looking to enhance your understanding of GST, or a medium enterprise seeking guidance on complex compliance issues, this GST Awareness Program is designed to cater to your needs.
For more information on how to participate in the upcoming GST awareness events, visit the Chamber’s website or reach out to the contact details below:
For Media Inquiries
- Contact: Bholanath Seth
- Phone: +91-9755129633
- Email: bholanathseth55@gmail.com
By attending the GST Awareness Program, businesses in Durg will not only learn how to streamline their tax processes but also gain the tools necessary to thrive in an increasingly regulated environment.
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