Context: Chairman of the 15th finance commission N.K. Singh has called for symmetry in the working of the GST council and the finance commission.

Need for symmetry?

While the finance commission looks at the projections of expenditure and revenue, the issue of GST rates exemptions, changes and implementation of the indirect taxes are within the domain of the GST council. This leads to unsettled questions on the ways to monitor, scrutinise and optimise revenue outcomes.

Therefore, coordination among the two is necessary.

Why do we need a GST Council?

• The GST council is the key decision-making body that will take all important decisions regarding the GST.
• The GST Council dictates tax rate, tax exemption, the due date of forms, tax laws, and tax deadlines, keeping in mind special rates and provisions for some states.
• The predominant responsibility of the GST Council is to ensure to have one uniform tax rate for goods and services across the nation.

How is the GST Council structured?

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is governed by the GST Council. Article 279 (1) of the amended Indian Constitution states that the GST Council has to be constituted by the President within 60 days of the commencement of the Article 279A.

Composition:

According to the article, GST Council will be a joint forum for the Centre and the States. It consists of the following members:

1. The Union Finance Minister will be the Chairperson
2. As a member, the Union Minister of State will be in charge of Revenue of Finance
3. The Minister in charge of finance or taxation or any other Minister nominated by each State government, as members.

GST Council recommendations:

Article 279A (4) specifies that the Council will make recommendations to the Union and the States on the important issues related to GST, such as, the goods and services will be subject or exempted from the Goods and Services Tax.