Will place suggestions on GST before council: Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda

Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Tuesday said that he would place before the GST Council the suggestions mentioned by the Legislative Council members regarding further simplifying the taxation rules and also for addressing specific matters.

He was replying to the issues raised by the council members particularly the opposition members in the Karnataka Legislative Council during the discussion on the Karnataka Goods and Services Tax (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2024, after he placed the Bill before the House for adoption.

Mr. Byre Gowda clarified that although the bringing legislation was under the State and Union governments, the understanding concerning the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was that it has to be first discussed and approved in the GST Council. So he would take the suggestions made by the Council members and place them before the GST Council.

Speaking on the bill, BJP member P.H. Pujar took objection to levying 18% interest on GST dues and demanded that it should be reduced to 12%. He also wanted a provision for filing revised GST returns as done in the Income Tax regime.

T.A. Sharavana suggested a provision for online correction of the returns filed, while K.S. Naveen argued that One Time Settlement (OTS) mentioned in the bill seemed to be favouring the big business houses.

Replying to their views, Mr. Byre Gowda said he would look into the issue of reducing the interest rate from 18% to 12% and consult experts.

The minister clarified that he could only place other suggestions before the GST council. He further clarified that the last date for availing the OTS under the bill was March 31, 2025. Subsequently, the House adopted the bill.

Published - December 17, 2024 11:50 pm IST