‘GST Collection Robust So Far’: FM Arun Jaitley After Council Meet

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

(Photo: PTI)

Addressing the media after the 21st GST council meet on Saturday, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley addressed the media, saying, "overall GST collection has been robust so far" with over 70 percent of eligible taxpayers filing returns of about Rs 95,000 crore for July.

Watch the press conference here:

The GST rates on 30 items of mass consumption were also slashed on Saturday while the cess on mid and high-segment cars went up as the council formed a five-member committee to sort out technical glitches faced on the return-filing portal. The last date for GSTR 1 has been extended by a month.

Jaitley said that in consonance with the recommendations of the fitment committee, the tax rates on approximately 30 goods of common man’s utility, including raincoats, rubber bands and batter for idli and dosa, have been reduced.

Khadi fabric through Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956 (KVIC) stores will now be exempted from tax under GST.

Talking about the increase in cess rates on automobiles, Jaitley said that while status quo has been maintained for small cars (petrol and diesel), hybrid cars and 13-seater vehicles, the Council decided to increase the cess rates for some segments.

GST cess on mid-segment cars has been increased by 2 percent, for large segment cars it has been increased by 5 percent and for SUVs by 7 percent, he said.

The minister said in view of the GST filing portal encountering increasing technical glitches, the Council has decided to set up a five-member ministerial panel to oversee its functioning and smoothen the process.

The return filing date deadline of GSTR-1 for July, that was to end on Sunday, has also been extended by a month till 10 October.

“Since the work is huge, the Council decided a new schedule itself for filing returns. Because of the load on the system, we want to give adequate time to taxpayers,” said Jaitley.

There are transient challenges in technology. The Council decided to appoint a committee, the composition of which will be announced in a day or two. It will consist of ministers who will interact with GST to ensure a smooth transformation,

Arun Jaitley

The decision was taken after the council reviewed the functioning of the GST Network platform.

Jaitley said the portal did face technical glitches on two-three occasions due to overload.

(With inputs from IANS)

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