In the Cabinet meeting held today, the Union cabinet approved the creation of the GST Council, which will take decisions regarding the fixation of the rate of tax under the GST regime, which will be effective from April 1, 2017.
As per the tweet of a government official spokesperson, The GST Council will consist of ministers such as Union Finance Minister, Minister of State in charge of Revenue Department and state finance ministers.
The Cabinet “approved setting up of GST Council and setting up its Secretariat,” an official statement said here.
The GST Council will be holding their first official meeting on September 22 and 23. It will make important recommendations on issues related to GST, including rates applicable on items. It will directly work under the central government.
GST implementation steps are ahead of schedule so far, the government said. “The steps required in the direction of implementation of GST are being taken ahead of the schedule so far.”
“The Cabinet also decided to provide adequate funds for meeting the recurring and non-recurring expenses of the GST Council Secretariat, the entire cost for which shall be borne by the Central Government. The GST Council Secretariat shall be manned by officers taken on deputation from both the Central and State Governments,” the statement said.
While the GST Council will be established under the Article 279A of the amended Constitution, GST Council Secretariat office will be based out at New Delhi.
The GST council Secretariat will have a post of Additional Secretary and four posts of Commissioner. However, Revenue Secretary will be the ex-officio Secretary to the GST Council, which will have Chairperson, Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) as a permanent invitee (non-voting).
