FM responds to LinkedIn user’s viral post saying he’ll ‘commit crime’ for GST no

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has responded to a viral social media post that claimed delays in the GST process and alleged that fraudulent activities were being conducted.

The issue has reignited concerns about how a system meant to simplify business processes can sometimes end up creating new hurdles.

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The LinkedIn post by Vinod Gupta, the founder and director of VG Learning Destination, spread far and wide on social media.

Very difficult to get GST number

In his post, Gupta alleged that he has been facing extreme difficulties in receiving the GST number for his business, even though he had applied for it over 20 days ago.

He mentioned that he has no option but to commit a crime, by bribing an official to get the registration number.

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He mentioned, “Till today, the number has not been allotted. So, I’ve decided to get the GST number tomorrow. I know I will get it after committing the crime.

Abhishek Raja 'Ram' comments

The post was further popularised when Tax Compliance and Litigation expert Abhishek Raja 'Ram' joined the conversation.

He tagged the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and alleged that corruption was rampant in the GST process.

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His post read, "CBIC has no idea of the ground reality of corruption in GST Registrations. Their Executive Officers are so corrupt that even VG Sir has to vent out his frustration. Better top-level Officers take control of Registrations to save the country from corruption."

@FinMinIndia Dear @abhishekrajaram The fact of the case of Shri Vinod Gupta who wrote about GST registration issue on LinkedIn are as below:👉The application was filed this week on 26th May (Monday) which was assigned to Delhi State GST. The Central GST authorities had no…

— CBIC (@cbic_india) May 31, 2025

'Application processed immediately'

The CBIC quickly responded to his post on X, disputing the charges of the government working in a slow manner, saying that Gupta filed an application process only on May 26 and it was assigned to the Delhi State GST jurisdiction and not the Central GST authorities.

It further stated that the application was sent for processing immediately, but was not completed due to a missing designation on the rent agreement.

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When they informed the applicant about this, there was no response, the tweet said.

The CBIC has also urged Abhishek Raja not to circulate wrong information on social media without knowing the facts.

GST board, officers must be careful, quick

Replying and tagging the reply from the CBIC, Sitharaman said it was the responsibility of the government to serve taxpayers, and that the GST Board and officers must continue to be careful and quick in responding to the issues of the people.

A detailed response from @cbic_india. To provide service to the taxpayer is our duty. While so serving the taxpayers, transparency and integrity are crucial in earning their trust and confidence. Confident that the Board and the field formations will remain sensitive and… https://t.co/OwuHQ5yKhe

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) May 31, 2025

This issue has brought to light existing issues of GST registration being a slow and tedious process. The government is continuing to take steps to improve the application process.