New Delhi, Oct. 24 -- Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday asked tax officials to redefine their approach to taxpayers and be more prompt, helpful, agile and accountable for building a 21st century India.

Speaking after the opening of the new CGST Bhawan in Ghaziabad, the minister told officials of the indirect tax administration that a new mindset was needed and urged them not to carry the pre-GST era or GST first generation era mindset, and instead have their eyes on a 21st century India. Officials must look into the "acute need for us to work together so that by 2047, India can be a developed country," she said, stating said a laidback approach will not help the country.

Sitharaman's message reflects the government's eagerne...