Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated steps to abolish the mobile squad system of the State Tax Department, a move that has been welcomed by the trading community across the state. The decision comes after sustained demands from trader organisations, particularly the Uttar Pradesh Yuva Vyapar Mandal, which had been raising concerns over the system for the past two years, citing harassment and exploitation of traders.
According to reports, the State Tax Department is preparing to dismantle its mobile squad units and shift towards an intelligence-based mechanism for monitoring tax evasion. Under the proposed system, instead of stopping vehicles on highways for routine document checks, the department will rely on specific intelligence inputs related to goods and GST evasion. Based on these inputs, targeted action will be taken, reducing unnecessary interference with traders engaged in legitimate business activities.
The move is aimed at curbing alleged misuse of power by field-level officers and addressing long-standing complaints of harassment faced by traders during transportation of goods. Under the existing mobile squad system, traders often complained that their vehicles were stopped frequently, documents were checked repeatedly, and in many cases, goods vehicles were detained for several days, causing financial losses and operational difficulties.
The Uttar Pradesh Yuva Vyapar Mandal has expressed satisfaction over the government’s decision. The organisation stated that it has been consistently demanding the abolition of the mobile squad system, arguing that it had become a source of exploitation rather than an effective tool against tax evasion. The trading body said the implementation of this decision marks a significant step towards creating a trader-friendly business environment in the state.
Thanking Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh Yuva Vyapar Mandal said that the government has acknowledged and acted upon the genuine concerns of the trading community. The organisation credited the Chief Minister for understanding the problems faced by traders and taking a decisive step to address them.
Uttar Pradesh Yuva Vyapar Mandal State President Vikas Jain said that the removal of the mobile squad system would put an end to the harassment of traders and curb the arbitrary functioning of officials. He stated that with the implementation of this system, traders would be able to conduct business more smoothly and efficiently. According to him, the fear of vehicles being stopped repeatedly and goods being seized without strong justification had created an atmosphere of uncertainty among traders.
Jain further said that traders were frequently forced to run from one office to another once a vehicle was detained. In many cases, vehicles remained seized for four to five days, during which traders had to repeatedly visit department offices to get their issues resolved. This not only disrupted business operations but also increased costs and mental stress for traders.
The trader body clarified that it has never opposed strict action against tax evaders. It had clearly communicated to the government that those involved in tax चोरी should not be spared under any circumstances. However, traders who are conducting their business legally and complying with tax laws should not be subjected to unnecessary harassment. The organisation maintained that the focus should be on identifying genuine cases of tax evasion rather than creating hurdles for honest traders.
In this context, the decision to dismantle the mobile squad system and replace it with an intelligence-driven approach has been seen as a balanced step. Under the new framework, officers will act only on concrete inputs related to GST evasion or illegal movement of goods. This is expected to reduce discretionary checks and improve transparency in enforcement.
Officials said that the department is also reviewing the performance and effectiveness of existing mobile squad units. Inputs have been sought from senior officers regarding the functionality, efficiency, and quality of work of these units. Based on this analysis, a new operational framework focusing on data and intelligence is being shaped.
The decision has also been linked to the government’s broader goal of improving the ease of doing business in Uttar Pradesh. By reducing on-road inspections and ensuring that enforcement actions are intelligence-based, the government aims to create a more predictable and trader-friendly regulatory environment.
Trader associations across the state have welcomed the move, calling it a positive signal for the business community. They believe that this decision will help restore trust between traders and the tax administration, encourage voluntary compliance, and reduce friction at the ground level.
The Uttar Pradesh Yuva Vyapar Mandal stated that the government’s decision reflects its willingness to listen to stakeholders and implement reforms that benefit honest taxpayers. The organisation expressed hope that the new system would be implemented effectively and monitored closely to ensure that the intended benefits reach traders on the ground.
With the move to end the mobile squad system, traders expect a significant reduction in harassment, faster movement of goods, and a more supportive business environment. The development is being seen as a major policy shift in the state’s tax administration and a step towards more transparent and efficient governance.
