Exporters yet to receive GST refunds despite govt's reassurances

Were promised payments from October 10, but the wait continues

It looks to be a cheerless Diwali for people working in India’s export industry as their long wait for Goods and Services Tax refunds continues, despite protests and complaints to the government. The new tax regime, which rolled out on July 1, subsumes all indirect taxes that businesses earlier paid to the state and Central governments.

Before the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax, exporters enjoyed upfront tax exemption, since exports were “zero-rated” or exempt from tax. In the new regime, however, they need to pay taxes on the goods they manufacture or purchase. These taxes can be claimed as