Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal on Wednesday announced the implementation of 'faceless adjudication' in the taxpayer services and audit wings of the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) department. The move, aimed at improving transparency and reducing corruption, was unveiled during discussions on the 2025-26 State Budget in the Assembly.
The faceless adjudication system will be rolled out in phases, with ₹3 crore allocated in the budget for necessary hardware and software upgrades. SGST officials emphasized that this initiative would enhance efficiency in tax administration while ensuring fair and impartial adjudication.
Additional Budget Announcements
Alongside tax administration reforms, the Finance Minister made several key allocations:
- Landslide Rehabilitation: A special package was announced for survivors in Vilangad.
- Highway Development: The Balaramapuram-Kaliyikkavila stretch of the National Highway will be completed with funds from KIIFB.
- Plantation Housing: ₹10 crore allocated for addressing housing issues in the plantation sector and reconstructing 'Layams.'
- Digital Property Cards: ₹2 crore set aside to develop digital property cards that consolidate all property details owned by individuals.
- Ayurveda Park: ₹2 crore allocated for developing an Ayurveda Park in Trithala.
- Kattapana Traffic Solution: ₹5 crore sanctioned for a new ring road project to ease congestion in Kattapana municipality.
- Thalassery Heritage Project: ₹1 crore earmarked to restore the 150-year-old Thalassery municipality building as part of a broader heritage initiative.
These measures reflect the state's commitment to digital governance, infrastructure development, and social welfare.
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