2 hrs ago
CGST Checks Halt Coal Trucks in Assam, Recover ₹40.42 Lakh
Tax officials stopped more than 150 trucks carrying coal in Assam.
They were checking whether the trucks had the right tax and transport papers.
Officials said 36 trucks did not have valid documents.
These trucks were fined, and the government collected ₹40.42 lakh.
Coal transport was temporarily stopped in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh until October 10.
The checks began after mining started at the Namchik-Namphuk coal block in Arunachal Pradesh.
Officials said coal transporters must pay state royalties and GST.
Some local residents and groups are worried that mining could displace people and reduce traditional livelihoods.
They also fear that local workers could lose jobs to outsiders because of experience requirements.
CGST authorities intercepted more than 150 coal-carrying trucks on a National Highway in Dibrugarh since the last week of September.
Officials said 36 trucks lacked valid GST papers, bills or tax invoices and were penalised.
The operation collected ₹40.42 lakh in duty penalties and fines.
Assam and Arunachal Pradesh temporarily stopped coal-vehicle movement until October 10.
The action followed the opening of the Namchik-Namphuk coal block, while residents raised concerns about displacement and local employment.
- Who
- Central Goods and Services Tax authorities, coal-truck operators, and the governments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
- What
- More than 150 coal trucks were checked; 36 were penalised for missing valid GST documents, generating ₹40.42 lakh in penalties and fines.
- Where
- On a National Highway in Dibrugarh, Assam, involving coal linked to the Namchik-Namphuk block in Kharsang, Arunachal Pradesh.
- When
- The checks began in the last week of September; coal movement was halted until October 10.
- Why
- Authorities said the trucks lacked required tax invoices, bills or other GST documents, while state governments also cited the need to temporarily stop coal transportation.
Government and Enforcement Position
Local and Critical Concerns
Truck documentation
Government and Enforcement Position
CGST officials said transporters must carry valid GST documents and pay applicable state royalties, SGST and CGST. They said 36 trucks violated these requirements.
Local and Critical Concerns
Sources said some coal-carrying trucks continued moving on the highway without undergoing CGST checks, and alleged that vehicles linked to big businessmen were allowed through.
Coal mining and transport
Government and Enforcement Position
Authorities said illegally sourced coal and coke must undergo legal procedures, customs clearance and tax compliance, regardless of political pressure.
Local and Critical Concerns
Local residents and indigenous groups raised concerns that the mining lease could cause displacement and loss of traditional livelihoods.
Local employment
Government and Enforcement Position
Mining operations are proceeding under the approved lease and mine plan, with Coal Pulz Pvt Ltd operating the site.
Local and Critical Concerns
Civil society organisations and local youth said recruitment rules requiring prior experience could exclude unemployed local candidates and favour outsiders.
Key facts
- Trucks intercepted
- More than 150, according to the report; officials described the number as roughly 150.
- Trucks penalised
- 36 vehicles
- Penalties collected
- ₹40.42 lakh
- Checking authority
- Central Goods and Services Tax authorities
- Transport halt
- Coal-carrying vehicle movement was stopped until October 10.
- Required documents
- Tax invoice, bill of supply or delivery challan, as applicable, under Rule 138A of the CGST Rules, 2017.
- Mining lease
- Coal Pulz Pvt Ltd received a 30-year lease for the Namchik-Namphuk coal mines.
Quotes
Kul Prakash (KP) Singh
Chief Commissioner, CCO & CCA, Guwahati GST & CX Zone
“Since mining falls strictly under the jurisdiction of the state government, transporters must legally pay the required state royalty alongside the due SGST and CGST to avoid heavy levies and penalties.”
freepressjournal.in
“transport of locally produced coal, coke and areca nut without paying requisite taxes would not be permitted despite any political pressure.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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