10 big decisions of the 53rd GST Council meeting

New Delhi: A number of proposals about taxation, tax exemption on Indian Railways services, and the use of biometric Aadhaar authentication to detect fraudulent invoicing were made during the 53rd GST Council meeting, which was presided over by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

At a news conference, Sitharaman stated that the federal government was clear about its desire to impose the GST on gasoline and diesel and that the states would be free to participate and determine the fuel tax rate. 

Regardless of whether a solar cooker has a single or two energy source, the council has recommended a standard 12 percent GST.

Indian Railways' general public services, such as the selling of platform tickets, the provision of retiring rooms, waiting rooms, cloakroom services, and battery-operated automobile services, are currently exempted from GST.

Additionally free from GST are student hostels that are not attached to schools. The council has proposed that housing services up to Rs 20,000 per person per month be exempted for working professionals and students.

Regardless of the building material, the council has suggested a standard rate of 12 percent on all milk cans. "They have a standard shape so that will determine what is a milk can and what is not," Sitharaman explained.

All carton boxes and containers containing paper or paper board, whether corrugated or not, will be subject to a single 12 percent GST charge. "This will specifically benefit the apple growers in J&K and Himachal Pradesh," stated the Finance Minister.

Sprinklers of all varieties, including fire water sprinklers, will draw the GST of 12 percent.

The Union Minister said that Aadhaar authentication based on biometrics will be implemented nationwide, helping to combat fraudulent input tax credit claims made through fake invoices in the cases.

To assist small taxpayers, the council has suggested that the deadline for providing information and Form GSTR 4 returns be extended from April 30 to June 30.

Concerning demand letters issued under Section 73 of the GST Act - including those that do not involve fraud, suppression, or misstatements—the GST Council has also suggested waiving interest and penalties.

A financial cap of Rs 20 lakh for the GST appellate tribunal, Rs 1 crore for the High Court, and Rs 2 crore for the Supreme Court for appeals filed by the department has been advised by the council to prevent government litigation.

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