The government has decided to use Common Service Centres (CSCs), popularly known as digital kiosks, for an effective roll out of GST. This is to ensure effective roll out of GST (Goods and Services Tax) in rural and semi-urban areas.
India has a network of over 2,52,000 operational Digital Kiosks (CSCs), out of those, over 1,72,000 are in rural areas. Government is planning to use these centres to help rural merchants in filing taxes and to create awareness among the people. Though, there has not been an official confirmation on this, however, sources close to the development has confirmed that the final approval from the government will come soon.
Dinesh Kumar Tyagi, CEO – CSC eGovernance Services has confirmed that there has been a proposal to convert the CSCs in GST Suvidha Providers. CSCs will train and support merchants along with creating awareness among people.
He also added that a mirror portal of GST will be created to provide realtime information through these kiosks. Training for merchants and entrepreneurs will get over by mid of June and before the expected roll out of GST on July 1, all systems will be in place.
GST rollout needs a lot of ground support and with the widespread network of CSCs will help government in achieving this. Also, this step will further increase credibility of these kiosks among the people.