GST council likely to deliberate on setting up of tribunal in next meet

New Delhi, Feb 9 (KNN) The next GST council meet is likely to deliberate on the setting up of GST Appellate Tribunals or GSTAT in view of increasing dispute cases, a senior official said.

As per reports, the GST council will also hold discussions on the over taxation for tobacco and gutkha businesses and the tax treatment of online gaming, horse racing and casinos.

The Council meet was earlier scheduled for February 18, but now, has been postponed due to the ongoing parliamentary session and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s other commitments.  

“Several cases are stuck in high courts in the absence of GSTATs. Finance ministry has been pushing for the faster decision on GSTATs formation in the GST Council’s next meeting. We want appellate tribunals in all the states for faster resolution of GST disputes,” the official cited above said.

Another major agenda that will be up for a discussion will be the GST imposed on cement.

The finance minister in a recent event said the issue of higher rate of GST on cement will be referred to the fitment committee and then depending on their recommendation would be taken up in the GST Council meet.

Presently, 28 per cent GST is levied on cement, which as per experts, is a bit on the higher side as there are many non-bulk individual buyers who are unable to take input tax credit on that.  (KNN Bureau)