Centre to Set Up Monitoring Mechanism to Ensure Proper Implementation of GST Reforms Across States:

The Centre will set up a monitoring system to ensure that the process reforms announced after the 57th GST Council meeting are implemented properly across all states. Special attention will be given to changes in arrest provisions under GST law.

The move comes after some states earlier raised concerns over proposals to decriminalise certain GST-related offences. Although some opposition-ruled states initially opposed the removal of arrest provisions, the GST Council eventually approved the proposed changes unanimously.

An official said the Centre would monitor how states implement the reforms and organise training programmes for central and state tax officials. These programmes will help officials understand the new rules and ensure their smooth implementation.

“Once a change is made in the CGST Act, states will have to implement it. There will be a mechanism to monitor how states are carrying out these process reforms. However, we are confident that all states, regardless of which party is in power, will implement the changes,” the official said.

The 57th GST Council meeting proposed several reforms, including changes to arrest provisions, simpler compliance requirements, faster refunds and an increase in the prosecution threshold from Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore.

The Centre will organise special training programmes for central and state government officials at its Palasamudra facility, the official added.

The government will also review implementation data, with particular focus on the time taken to process GST refunds. Officials will take corrective action to resolve any problems that arise during the implementation of the reforms.