GST Council Meeting: 7 Key Decisions Announced By FM Nirmala Sitharaman

First Meeting of NDA Government:

The 53rd GST meeting, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is the first since the NDA government formed, after an eight-month gap since the 52nd meeting on October 7, 2023. (Image Credit: Freepik)

No GST On Railway Services:

Indian Railways services, including platform tickets, retiring rooms, waiting rooms, cloakroom services, and battery-operated car services, are now GST-exempt. (Image Credit: Freepik)

Penalties For Demand Notices:

Interest and penalties for demand notices under Section 73 of the GST Act are waived, excluding cases involving fraud, suppression, or misstatements.

Monetary Limit for Appeals:

To reduce litigation, the council recommended monetary limits for appeals: Rs 20 lakh for the GST appellate tribunal, Rs 1 crore for the High Court, and Rs 2 crore for the Supreme Court.

GST Exemptions for Student Accommodations:

Student hostels outside educational institutions are GST-exempt. Accommodation services up to Rs 20,000 per person per month for students and professionals are recommended for exemption.

Extension for GSTR-4 Filing:

To assist small taxpayers, the council recommended extending the deadline for GSTR-4 filings from April 30 to June 30, with nationwide rollout of biometric-based Aadhaar authentication.

Uniform GST On Milk Cans And Solar Cookers:

A uniform 12% GST rate is suggested for all milk cans and solar cookers, regardless of construction material or energy source.

GST on Sprinklers And Carton Boxes:

All sprinklers, including fire water sprinklers, will have a 12% GST. A uniform 12% GST rate will also apply to all carton boxes and cases.