New Delhi [India], Mar 25 : Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday approved the re-organization of the field formations of the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) for the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The approval by the minister will enable the existing formations of Central Excise and Service Tax under the CBEC to implement and enforce the provisions of the proposed GST.

However, the CBEC is likely to be renamed as the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), after getting legislative approval.

The proposed CBIC shall, inter alia, supervise the work of all its field formations and Directorates and assist the Government in policy making in relation to GST, continuing Central Excise levy and Customs functions.

It will have 21 zones, 101 GST Tax payer Services Commissionerates comprising 15 sub-Commissionerates, 768 Divisions, 3969 Ranges, 49 Audit Commissionerates and 50 Appeals Commissionerates, which will ensure rendering of taxpayer services to all the taxpayers through an indirect tax administration structure, having pan-India presence.

The Directorate General of Systems under CBEC is being strengthened for a robust IT Network to give a greater out- reach for facilitating smooth transition for the taxpayers to the GST environment.

Under CBEC, the existing training establishment will be renamed as National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics will have an all India presence, to enable capacity building to the employees of the indirect tax administration of the Centre as well as of the State Governments and to members of Trade and Industry.

The renamed Directorate General of Goods and Service Tax Intelligence is also being strengthened and expanded to become an important wing of the Government in its fight against Tax Evasion and Black Money. (ANI)