The Union Minister (L) said that the State remains dedicated to supporting reforms that simplify the GST framework, ensure fairness, and cater to the unique needs of Arunachal Pradesh.
| Photo Credit: X/@ChownaMeinBJP

Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein stated that the government is committed to support GST reforms for fostering economic growth and ease of compliance for all stakeholders in the State.

Speaking at the 55th GST Council meeting at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan on Saturday (December 21, 2024), Mr. Mein, who also holds the Finance portfolio, said that the state government remained dedicated to support reforms for simplifying GST, an official communique said in Itanagar on Sunday (December 22, 2024).

“Arunachal Pradesh remains dedicated to supporting reforms that simplify the GST framework, ensure fairness, and cater to the unique needs of our State. These efforts align with our vision to promote ease of doing business and accelerate development,” he said.

The meeting chaired by Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, covered a wide range of topics aimed at streamlining the GST framework and ensuring it is more inclusive and effective.

The discussion during the meeting centred on key areas aimed at enhancing the GST framework to drive economic growth and improve taxpayer support.

Also read: GST Council decision may offer solutions to IGST-related issues: Kerala

Proposed amendments to strengthen the legal structure of GST were highlighted, alongside efforts to simplify GST rate structures for goods and services, making compliance easier and fostering economic activities.

Enhancing the grievance redressal mechanism was also emphasised in the meeting to provide better support to taxpayers.

The agenda included expanding exemptions in critical sectors such as health and life insurance and research carried out for wider public good, advancing procedural rules for GST Appellate Tribunals (GSTAT) to streamline dispute resolution, and ensuring timely and fair settlements of IGST revenues to States for greater fiscal stability, the communique said.

Mr. Mein expressed support for the recommendations and updates presented during the meeting, including the minutes of the previous GST Council meeting.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chairs the 55th meeting of the GST Council, in Jaisalmer, on December 21, 2024.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday (December 21, 2024) said that States did not agree on bringing aviation turbine fuel under the ambit of Goods and Services Tax.

“States did not feel comfortable. They didn’t want the ATF because they saw it as part of the crude petroleum diesel basket, and therefore they said that it alone cannot be taken out, and therefore that continues to remain where it is today,” she said while briefing media on the outcome of 55th GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer.

Besides, she said, no decision was taken with regard to reduction in GST on insurance premiums as the Group of Ministers (GoM) needed more time to study the issue.

Many inputs are awaited including the one from insurance regulator IRDAI, she said.

She further said that the GST Council has also deferred the decision with regard to rate rationalisation as more time is required by the GoM for a comprehensive study.

However, the Council made suggestions with regard to GST rate revision on various items including fortified rice kernels and gene therapy.