Model Answer Introduction The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based indirect tax implemented in India on July 1, 2017. It aimed to unify the tax structure under a single regime, enhancing transparency and compliance while reducing the tax burden on consumersRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based indirect tax implemented in India on July 1, 2017. It aimed to unify the tax structure under a single regime, enhancing transparency and compliance while reducing the tax burden on consumers.
Indirect Taxes Subsided in GST
GST has subsumed several indirect taxes previously levied by both the central and state governments:
Central Level Taxes
- Central Excise Duty
- Additional Excise Duty
- Service Tax
- Countervailing Duty
- Special Additional Duty of Customs
State Level Taxes
- State Value Added Tax (VAT)/Sales Tax
- Entertainment Tax (excluding those levied by local bodies)
- Central Sales Tax (levied by the Centre and collected by the States)
- Octroi and Entry Tax
- Purchase Tax
- Luxury Tax
- Taxes on Lottery, Betting, and Gambling
Revenue Implications of GST Since July 2017
The introduction of GST has had significant revenue implications:
- Revenue Growth: After initial challenges, GST revenue collections increased from an average of ₹0.89 lakh crores in 2017-18 to ₹1.5 lakh crores in 2022-23.
- Tax Base Expansion: The implementation of the e-way bill system has improved traceability in inter-state transactions, leading to an increase in registered businesses from 6.4 million under the old regime to 11.2 million under GST.
- Reduction in Tax Evasion: GST’s destination-based nature has made tax evasion more difficult, enhancing transparency in transactions.
- State Revenue Disparities: While overall GST collections have risen, state revenues have shown volatility, leading to concerns about the equitable distribution of tax revenues.
- Compensation Issues: States are guaranteed compensation for revenue shortfalls for five years, but there are concerns about the sustainability of this arrangement as their taxation powers are curtailed.
Conclusion
GST represents a significant reform in India’s tax landscape, aiming to eliminate the cascading effect of taxes and streamline compliance. Despite challenges, it has the potential to drive economic growth and enhance employment generation in the long run.
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The government has undertaken several initiatives to promote the use of technology and innovation in economic planning and policymaking. One key development is the National Data and Analytics Platform (NDAP), which aims to provide a centralized repository and analytical capabilities for data from vaRead more
The government has undertaken several initiatives to promote the use of technology and innovation in economic planning and policymaking. One key development is the National Data and Analytics Platform (NDAP), which aims to provide a centralized repository and analytical capabilities for data from various government sources.
The NDAP is designed to facilitate evidence-based policymaking by making data more accessible and enabling advanced analytics. By consolidating data from different ministries and departments, the platform allows policymakers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of economic and social trends. This can support the development of policies that are better informed by the available data.
Another notable initiative is the increased use of geospatial data and artificial intelligence (AI) in economic planning. Geospatial data, which provides detailed information on the location and characteristics of various economic and social phenomena, can be used to identify patterns, trends, and regional disparities. Integrating this data with AI-powered analytics can help policymakers make more informed decisions, such as targeted interventions in specific geographic areas or the identification of high-potential regions for investment and development.
The potential benefits of these initiatives include:
However, the success of these initiatives will depend on several factors, such as the quality and completeness of the data, the robustness of the analytical tools, the integration of these technologies across different government agencies, and the adoption of a culture of data-driven decision-making within the government.
Additionally, it will be important to address concerns related to data privacy, security, and ethical use of AI, to ensure that these technologies are deployed in a responsible and equitable manner.
Overall, the government’s efforts to leverage technology and innovation in economic planning and policymaking have the potential to significantly enhance evidence-based decision-making and ultimately lead to more effective and responsive policies that better address the needs of the country’s citizens.
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