No feedback sought from States on raising GST Rates on 143 items; Govt Clarifies

A section of the media has reported that the states have been asked for feedback on a proposal to raise the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on 143 items.

The quantity and description of things have even been included in certain reports. It is stressed that no comment from states on GST rates for individual items or specific recommendations to restructure the rates has been solicited, and the reports on the subject are solely speculative and devoid of any factual basis.

The GST Council constituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) to examine into rate rationalisation during its 45th meeting. The Group’s deliberations are still ongoing. The States’ opinions on the GoM’s Terms of References (ToRs) were sought shortly after it was established in September 2021. The Group has yet to submit a report to the Council for consideration.