India, June 8 -- LUCKNOW Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday directed officials to launch a stringent crackdown on shell companies and fraudulently registered firms, warning that any misuse of facilities meant for genuine traders was "unforgivable".

Chairing a high-level review meeting of the state tax department here, he said tax evasion was a national crime that directly hindered development plans and welfare schemes. Yogi emphasised transparency, technological integration and strict enforcement to strengthen revenue systems.

"GST is a consumer-based tax system, and densely populated regions must reflect proportionate revenue. Underperformance in such areas is unacceptable," the CM said. He instructed officials to p...