New Delhi, Aug 1 (IANS) The government processed pending GST refunds of Rs 54,378 crore during its third refund fortnight from July 16 to 31, it was announced on Wednesday.
The government had on July 16 launched a special fortnight-long drive to facilitate pending GST refunds during which dedicated refund cells and help desks were provided for exporters to get their refund claims processed in each commissionerate.
It was the third such refund fortnight to clear Goods and Services Tax (GST) refunds after similar drives earlier held in March and June.
"Till July 31, the total GST refunds disposed by the Centre and the states are to the tune of Rs 54,378 crore," a statement said.
Apart from other measures during the refund fortnight, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) officials reached-out to doorsteps of the exporters for sanctioning of refunds by the way of GST refund help desks.
"These help desks provided an extension of CBIC offices, thus eliminating any need to go to the Customs office for submission of documents. During the period, all field formations of CBIC and the states, once again worked very hard to provide all assistance to the exporters to ensure quick disposal of their refund claims," the statement said.
The government said that the remaining GST refunds pending with CBIC will continue to be processed expeditiously.