Archive · 26 Jul 2026
West Bengal Focuses on Tax Base Expansion
The West Bengal government wants to increase its revenue without raising taxes.
Instead of adding new taxes, they plan to bring more businesses and workers from the informal sector into the formal economy.
This will help them collect more taxes and improve compliance.
The Finance Minister, Swapan Dasgupta, said they will use technology like artificial intelligence to make tax collection better.
They also plan to review old tax exemptions, especially in the mining sector.
The government aims to grow its revenue by about 18% and ensure that ordinary citizens are not burdened with extra taxes.
West Bengal government aims to increase revenue by widening the tax base and formalizing the informal economy.
Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta emphasizes no intention to impose additional taxes or double taxation.
Government plans to use technology, including artificial intelligence, for better tax administration.
Review of tax concessions granted to certain sectors, particularly the mining sector, is underway.
Revenue growth target is set at around 18%.
- Who
- West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta
- What
- Outlines government's revenue strategy focusing on tax base expansion
- When
- Discussed in the Assembly on Saturday
- Where
- West Bengal, India
- Why
- To increase revenue without raising taxes
Government's Revenue Strategy
Critics' Concerns
Tax Burden
Government's Revenue Strategy
The government asserts it is not imposing additional taxes or double taxation.
Critics' Concerns
Critics allege excessive taxation and potential double taxation.
Professional Tax
Government's Revenue Strategy
The government has refrained from increasing professional tax to ease the burden on citizens.
Critics' Concerns
Critics may argue that the current tax structure is already burdensome.
- Finance Minister
- Swapan Dasgupta
- State
- West Bengal
- Revenue Growth Target
- 18%
- Key Strategy
- Widening tax base and formalizing informal economy
- Technology Role
- Artificial Intelligence for tax administration