PM Modi Unveils Next-Gen GST Reforms on 79th Independence Day

On India’s 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his speech, announced that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) burden on the common man is set to come down from this Diwali with next-generation reforms to be unwound.

PM Modi shows the need for the next phase of GST reforms, which will aim to provide relief to ordinary citizens, farmers, the middle class and MSMEs (Micro and small and medium enterprises).

The Ministry of finance has published details on the proposed GST reforms that a two-slab (Standard and merit) GST structure is being considered and that the new GST structure will  substitute the current 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% slabs, and a GST Council meeting is anticipated next month.

In his speech he added that the Central Government is thinking of introducing major GST reforms which will be based on three main pillars:

1. Structural Reforms
2. Rate Rationalisation and
3. Ease of living

1. Structural Reforms

This pillar of reform is mainly concentrated on enhancing the basic functioning of the GST system.

• The government is looking to solve Fixing Inverted Duty Structure, in some sectors the tax on raw materials is higher than that on finished goods. the main aim is to reduce such unused tax credits and encourage more products to be made within the country.
• There is a huge confusion about which GST rate applies to which good or service. The government is thinking of resolving this classification issue as well to avoid confusion and make this structure easier.
• This reform will provide long-term clarity and stable GST policies.

2. Rate Rationalisation

This pillar aims to provide a simpler and more trustworthy GST tax rate for everyone.

• Under this government, the aim is to lower taxes on common and aspirational food items  so that more people will spend on these, which consequently will help in economic growth.
• Currently there are several GST tax slabs, but now the government will reduce them and divide them into two main slabs (Standard and merit).
• The government is also thinking of eliminating the Compensation Cess.

3. Ease of Living

This pillar is focused towards making the GST process easy and smooth.

• GST registration will become faster and fully online.
• Tax returns will be pre-filled using available data, which will help businesses, as they won’t have to fill in everything manually.
• The refund process will become faster and automatic.

To make an “Atmanirbhar Bharat“, the central government is recommending important reforms in GST. These new reforms will bring relief to the common man, farmers, the middle class and MSMEs.