GST Council Meets "Toxic": Bengal Minister Writes To Nirmala Sitharaman

Stating that GST council meetings have become "almost toxic" with the erosion of trust between the Centre and states, West Bengal Minister Amit Mitra urged Nirmala Sitharaman to consider a "course correction" to rebuild faith.

Central Board of Indirect Taxes has said that fees paid by students to sit in any examination conducted by Central or state boards won't attract GST.

With GST rate on Ambulance lowered to 12 per cent from 28 per cent, Maruti Suzuki India has decided to reduce prices of the Eeco Ambulance. It is now priced at Rs. 6.16 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Supplying food to schools under mid-day meal scheme, pre-schools and anganwadis is exempt from GST, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has said.

Industry body CII: Accelerated vaccination is the key to faster economic recovery.

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Wednesday said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is "wrong" in claiming that GST dues of states have been cleared and cited the example of Congress-ruled Rajasthan, Punjab and Chhattisgarh.

On June 12, the GST Council, chaired by the Finance Minister, reduced the tax rates on most COVID supplies and declared that no tax will be levied on medicines for treating Black fungus.

Amit Mitra said that the virtual link was snapped at a "critical time" during the 44th GST Council meeting on Saturday.

SBI said in its report that the space for monetary accommodation is over and only a proactive fiscal policy can rekindle animal spirits and growth.

The GST Council in its meeting has decided to reduce rates on specified items being used in Covid-19 relief and management including Ambulances.

Minister of State (MoS) in the Finance Ministry Anurag Thakur has dismissed the remarks of West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra, who claimed that he was not allowed to speak at the end of the GST Council meeting held in Delhi on Saturday.

West Bengal Finance Minister Dr Amit Mitra said his opposition to taxing items related to the Covid pandemic was ignored and muzzled today at the GST Council. Union Minister Anurag Thakur denied the charge.

Tax on medicines, some hospital equipment and other items needed in the fight against COVID-19 has been reduced by the Goods and Services Tax Council. The tax cut is based on recommendations by a Group of Ministers amid the pandemic.

GST Council Meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, reduced the tax rates on major COVID-related essential items, however, vaccines will continue to attract a five per cent GST