48th GST Council meeting | No tax increase on any item; nod to decriminalise certain offences: Nirmala Sitharaman
The Hindu
Due to various issues, seven agenda items including GoM report could not be taken up in this meeting.
The 48th GST Council meeting was held under the leadership of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was held in New Delhi on December 17, 2022.
At the conclusion of the meeting Ms. Sitharaman said “In this GST Council meeting, there has not been any tax increase on any item. Everything that has been done is to issue clarifications where ambiguity of interpretations prevails.”
“Majority of all that has been discussed is fitment committee’s recommendations have been brought to the Council on many items where there is confusion of rates. In the case of SUVs, we have clarified that the higher rate of 22% compensation cess is applicable to motor vehicles fulfilling four conditions - popularly known as an SUV and has an engine capacity of 1500 cc, length beyond 4,000 mm and ground clearance of 170 mm.”
“But even as we brought in this clarification, there was a request to add to this MUVs. What has been agreed by the Council is this clarification goes ahead but if anything has to be added on to this 22% cess rate, the Fitment Commitee will look into it. This whole question arose when some asked if sedans are also included in this,” said Ms. Sitharaman.
“The meeting had to be concluded by 1.30 p.m. as most State ministers had other engagements, so about seven agenda items, including the GoM report on setting up of GST Appellate Tribunals, could not be taken up. It also could not discuss taxation on tobacco and gutkha due to paucity of time,” said Ms. Sitharaman.
These pending items will be taken up at the next GST Council meet, which Ms. Sitharaman expressed hope will be held as in-person meeting. “We are trying to take up the GST Tribunal issue at the earliest possible,” she said.
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