GST Council may meet in February; tribunal high on agenda
The Goods and Services Tax Council is likely to meet in-person in February next year, after the presentation of the Union Budget 2023-24. “The Council is expected to meet every quarter and it typically once meets after the Union Budget. While no date has been finalised, but it is likely to meet in February next,” said a person familiar with the development.
In its 48th meeting on Saturday, the Council could not take up key items on its agenda, including the report by the Group of Ministers for setting up the GST Appellate Tribunals, which has left trade and industry disappointed. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who chairs the GST Council told reporters after the meeting that there was a request by some states to end the meeting by 1:30 pm as they had other committed business. Originally, the Council was expected to meet for the full day.
“It was suggested that if any agenda is left, we could carry it to the next meeting. That was also put to the house and all ministers came in to say we agree and we can conclude it at 1:30 and take the agenda forward for the next meeting,” she said. The Council completed eight of the 15 agenda points finalised for the meeting.
“The Council met after a long period and many of the key decisions could not be taken up due to lack of time. The clarification on tax rates is especially welcome as there has been a lot of confusion over this. But why does the Council need such a long time to decide on GST tribunal formation?” noted the head of an industry body.