Information asymmetry

GST data must be released

Gross goods and services tax (GST) collection for June 2024 came at Rs 1.74 trillion, a year-on-year increase of 7.7 per cent. The information, however, was not made public through the usual press release with details as has been standard practice. The headline tax collection number was disclosed to reporters informally this time. It has also been reported that this would now be the norm. The shift is clearly disturbing and must be avoided. At a time when transparency and disseminating timely information are becoming crucial — especially given India’s intent to attract more global investment —