GST Council, Finance Commission need terms of engagement: N K Singh

There should be clear terms on how the GST Council and the Finance Commission will work together, said N K Singh, chairman of the Fifteenth Finance Commission, on Monday in a speech on challenges facing fiscal federalism.

Finance commissions recommend devolution of revenues, but GST tax rates, exemptions, changes, and implementation are entirely within the domain of the GST Council. This may lead to questions about who has the authority to monitor, scrutinise and evaluate the best outcomes.

"Since both are constitutional bodies, a working relationship between the GST Council and the Finance Commission deserves closer consideration," said Singh, while delivering the