Image Source: Economic Times
India’s ambitious new GST reforms, aiming to simplify tax rates and promote economic growth, have triggered intense negotiations between the central government and states. As the GST Council prepares to deliberate, eight opposition-ruled states are urging the Centre for a five-year compensation package, fearing annual revenue losses that could reach ₹2 lakh crore due to the proposed rationalisation of tax slabs.
Key Highlights
New GST proposals involve compressing the existing four-tier rate structure (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) into a two-slab system: 5% for merit goods and 18% for standard items.
An additional 40% rate for ultra-luxury and “sin” goods is on the table, replacing the current compensation cess mechanism.
Revenue loss estimates from the reforms range between ₹1.5–2 lakh crore per year, with about 71% of the shortfall impacting states.
Ministers from Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and West Bengal have warned that insufficient compensation will destabilise welfare and development spending, and erode state autonomy.
States’ Counter-Proposal: Compensation and Safeguards
States seek a guaranteed compensation scheme from the Centre for at least five years following the new GST rollout, mirroring the arrangement when GST was first implemented in 2017.
They propose levying extra duties on sin and luxury goods—with all proceeds distributed exclusively to states—to offset lost revenue and maintain current tax incidence.
States want a base year for compensation calculations set as 2024–25, with a 14% protected annual revenue growth rate, based on recent averages.
They also advocate for the Centre to raise loans if the revenue deficit persists post-levy, securitising future receipts to assure timely payouts.
Concerns Over State Finances and Welfare Programs
States reliant on GST for 30–40% of total revenue (Punjab, Kerala, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu) face acute fiscal stress, especially with compensation cess ending soon.
Larger, consumption-driven states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana are bracing for steep drops in absolute numbers, while smaller states feel the pinch proportionally.
Without a robust compensation plan, development projects, welfare schemes, and frontline public services could suffer major cutbacks.
Officials warn that falling state revenues could restrict borrowing limits, hamper local infrastructure investments, and dampen economic recovery momentum.
Safeguarding Common Man’s Interests
Ministers have asked for anti-profiteering mechanisms to ensure that businesses pass on tax benefits from lower rates to consumers, not just improve margins.
States also push for a dedicated slab for ‘red-category’ industries with adverse environmental impacts, and enhanced vigilance against possible tax leakages.
GST Council’s Next Steps
The GST Council, chaired by the Union finance minister and comprising state ministers, will meet on September 3–4 to deliberate rate rationalisation and compensation claims.
While Centre highlights a record ₹22.1 trillion GST collection for FY 2025, states argue that past rate tweaks have already reduced their fiscal buffers.
Conclusion: Balancing Reform with Revenue Security
As India readies for next-gen GST reforms, the debate underscores the country’s federal tensions—balancing national tax policy ambitions with the states’ urgent need for revenue security and autonomy. The outcome of the GST Council meeting will define the future path of public finance, welfare, and cooperative federalism.
Sources: Business Standard, Economic Times, Deccan Chronicle
Advertisement
Advertisement
