According to the data of National Consumer Helpline (NCH), in the initial months after the tax transitioned from VAT to GST in July 2017, nearly 11 percent complaints came in front indicates that traders were charging GST above MRP from the consumers and not providing the right bill or GSTN number.
From the trader’s point of view, nearly 13 percent of queries were of registration, cancellation, correction and return filing seen on Consumer Helpline under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Regime.
Nearly 58 queries were related to the general issues about the new indirect tax regime and how the consumers dealt with. Other complaints related to the new indirect tax regime that the traders were being charged GST above Maximum Retail Price in the name of GST and higher tax rates than the GST slabs, continued with the charging of Value- Added Tax and delay in delivery of products, services refund or replacement. These were some of the complaints on Helpline came in front in the month of July and August.
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Although, National Consumer Helpline (NCH) is not responsible to look after the issues or complaints related to the GST whereas the Helpline has recorded all the complaints or queries of GST. The NCH which is a project of Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs and recently shifted to the Indian Institute of Public Administration from the University of Delhi.
A three-tier approach has been adopted by the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) when handling the issues related to defective products, deficiency in services, and unfair trade practices. Officials said all of the complaints or queries regarding the GST were further sent to the agencies. A multimedia campaign has been started by the Finance Ministry to aware consumers regarding the Goods and Services Tax Regime.