As the Goods and Services Tax (GST) crosses six and a half years, India witnesses a notable financial milestone. The GST has amassed almost Rs 3.4 lakh crore in October and November, marking these months as some of the highest in monthly collections. October saw a 13.4% increase, while November witnessed a 15.1% rise in GST inflows, indicating a resurgence after a period of slowing gains. This uptick, likely fuelled by festive spending, places the average monthly collection for 2023-24 at a robust Rs 1.66 lakh crore. Economists even predict central GST receipts to exceed budget estimates, despite potential slow-downs in the year’s final quarter. This financial buoyancy, partly due to stringent compliance and a crackdown on tax evasion, signals an opportune moment for the government to recalibrate its GST strategy. The tax system, initially promised to be ‘good and simple’, still grapples with complexities. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s recent acknowledgment of the GST’s transition from “uncertainty to certainty” reflects the need for clarity and stability in India’s tax regime. This journey towards certainty must encompass broader aspects to assure investors of a stable and predictable tax environment. Crucially, the backlog of taxpayer appeals against central GST levies, which surged to nearly 15,000 cases by October, calls for immediate operationalization of appellate tribunals. This move will not only reduce pendency but also establish clearer precedents for future tax disputes. With general elections looming, some hesitation in undertaking these reforms is expected. However, the GST Council must remain focused on its unfinished agenda, continuously deliberating on crucial reforms. Post-election, these discussions should rapidly translate into action, ensuring the GST evolves into the efficient, streamlined system it was envisioned to be. Such proactive measures will reinforce India’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and economic transparency, fortifying investor confidence and contributing to the nation’s sustained economic growth.
