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However, while evaluating the GST reforms, the fundamental goal must not be forgotten. It was to raise the GST tax-to-GDP ratio by widening the tax base, by improving compliance
The finance ministry is clear in its message that the reforms would be comprehensive, going beyond rate rationalisation. The question is how the government should go about it
Rate rationalisation should not be viewed in isolation as a revenue exercise, but as one integrated with trade policy and broader macroeconomic objectives
In the past 25 years, India's growth rate has been stuck around 6 per cent except the period 2006-10, when India briefly reached 8 per cent
GST rate rationalisation and expansion must be done not only to achieve simplification but also to subserve large-scale employment and environmental policy goals
It would have been better had the government gone in for across-the-board Customs duty rationalisation instead of picking and choosing sectors across the board
An audit system has great advantages over routine tax return verification but requires greater skills
It will give an impetus to factor market reforms, which are essential to drive India's growth
The Budget could have outlined a three-tier Customs duty structure with minimum rate on raw materials, a slightly higher rate on intermediates, and the highest rate on finished products
The tax reform's happy ending hinges on appropriate policy reforms, which require mining the rich vein of GST data for deeper insights by research outfit
The Finance Minister clearly mentioned that the government will rely less on market borrowings and, thereby, facilitate more credit availability for the private sector from the banking system
There is much to commend in the Budget, especially the substantial increase in capital expenditure
The environmental dimension of taxes must rank high in any rate rationalisation exercise
Going forward, we also need to look at inclusion of items in the GST from a larger macro perspective
The capital goods component is especially important now in view of the mandated guidelines for installation of pollution control equipment
A revision of slab rates may create some disquiet, but, if cleverly crafted, it could be a game-changer for manufacturing
The recent upsurge in revenues offers the prospect of the country breaking out of the long-stagnant tax-to-GDP ratio
Besides merging the rate slabs of 12 per cent and 18 per cent, the GST Council could consider phasing out exemptions to those commodities that were subject to VAT duty by the States
GST has achieved a lot in three years, but there is an unfinished agenda
Member countries of the WTO have the responsibility to exercise restraint in invoking the anti-dumping provisions. Unfairly invoked duties can unleash a trade war and diminish growth in the world econ