Shimla, February 27 Tax policy plays a crucial role in mobilizing national resources for development, welfare, and infrastructure creation. An effective tax system forms the foundation of economic justice, social inclusion, and good governance, said Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Friday.
Addressing the inaugural session of a two-day International Conference themed "Tax Reforms in India: Challenges and Prospects," at the Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, he described the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a historic reform that unified India's indirect tax regime and strengthened cooperative federalism.
He said that taxation was not merely a tool for revenue collection but a foundation of trust, accountability, and transparency between the State and its citizens, a statement issued here said.
Tracing the evolution of India's tax system since Independence, the Governor noted that major reforms, particularly after liberalization, aimed at simplifying and enhancing transparency in the tax framework.
He also emphasized that tax reform is deeply linked with economics, governance, and public policy and appreciated the active engagement of scholars and students in deliberating on these critical issues.
Referring to Acharya Chanakya's Arthashastra, he said that taxation should be just, balanced, and welfare-oriented, ensuring that it promotes production and shared prosperity rather than burdening citizens. He described GST as a contemporary example of such balanced reform aimed at inclusive and sustainable development.
Earlier, the Governor inaugurated the newly designed HPNLU litigation lab and a Blood Donation Camp organized by the University's Youth Red Cross.
