In recent months, the GST Council, tasked with pivotal tax-related deliberations, has encountered challenges in adhering to its mandated schedule. This delay, attributed to diverse governmental commitments, has impeded the council's ability to convene as per regulations, notably missing sessions in January and February due to concurrent budgetary obligations of both Union and State governments.
Of particular concern is the elongated gap since the last convened meeting held on October 7, 2023. According to regulatory stipulations, a session should have transpired in January 2024, underscoring a departure from the prescribed timeline.
During the October session, the GST Council deferred discussions on the intricate subject of online gaming to a subsequent gathering. Moreover, critical issues regarding the clarification of various classification matters were slated for resolution in the upcoming meeting, now facing further postponement.
As the specter of forthcoming elections looms, the timeline for the next GST Council meeting remains shrouded in uncertainty, amplifying apprehensions regarding the timely resolution of pivotal tax-related matters. This delay could potentially exacerbate challenges for businesses and stakeholders reliant on swift policy decisions and regulatory clarity within the GST framework.