GST Council meet: Most states were opposed to change in slabs, hike in GST

Most of the states opposed change in slabs or hike in GST during the crucial GST Council meeting on Wednesday arguing an increase in the levies would have adverse implication for the economy facing slowdown, said sources.

The GST Council, comprising state finance ministers and headed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is the highest decision-making body on the indirect tax rates.

As consensus eluded, the Council for the first time exercised the option of voting to decide on the GST rate on lottery as the economy is in downturn.

State finance ministers also expressed concern over a decline in revenue collection and delay in payment of GST compensation.

Sources said state ministers pointed out that moderation in revenue collection through GST was due to economic slowdown and not because of lower GST rate.

"The rate enhancement or slab change at the moment would be a knee-jerk reaction. States were of the view that first plug all the loopholes that are there in the system and improve compliance", Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said coming out from the 38th GST Council meeting here.

A committee of officials on revenue augmentation has submitted report which has suggestions with regard to slab change and rate enhancement.

During the pre-Budget consultation with the Union finance minister, West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra said states pointed out that social expenditure is coming down phenomenally.

"The upcoming Budget cannot have social expenditure decline which is like punishing the common people. Stagflation is knocking at our door and we are concerned that next Budget will not be able to address it," Mitra said.

He further said it appears from the Centre's presentation during the meeting that by February next year, there will be no money with the Centre to pay compensation
Sitharaman also said the additional information that they have asked all put together in the next meeting, there will be a detailed discussion. "So, first thing was this presentation of the committee of secretaries officers did not suggest, directly or indirectly increase or decrease as a proposal."