Members of the GST Council

The GST Council members play a key role in shaping India’s Goods and Services Tax system. The GST Council is a constitutional body that brings together the Centre and the States to take joint decisions on GST-related matters. It works as a platform for cooperation and consensus, which is essential in a federal structure like India’s.

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Composition of the GST Council

At present, the GST Council consists of 33 members. The Union Finance Minister serves as the Chairperson of the Council. Along with this, the Union Minister of State for Finance is also a member. Every State and Union Territory nominates one minister, usually in charge of finance or taxation, to represent its interests.

This balanced structure ensures that both national and regional concerns are heard. The members also elect a Vice-Chairperson from among the State representatives, which adds to shared leadership.

Role and Responsibilities

The main duty of GST Council members is to make recommendations on GST laws, tax rates, and exemptions. They advise on which goods and services should be taxed or kept outside GST. They also suggest changes to improve compliance and simplify the tax system.

In addition, the Council decides on special provisions for certain States and sets threshold limits for GST registration. It also helps resolve disputes that may arise between the Centre and States, or among States themselves.

Decision-Making Process

Decisions in the GST Council follow a clear voting system. The Centre holds one-third of the total voting power, while States together hold two-thirds. A three-fourths majority is required to pass any decision, which encourages discussion and agreement.

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Conlusion

The GST Council members ensure stability and uniformity in India’s indirect tax system. Their collective decisions impact businesses, consumers, and government revenue. By working together, they help maintain a smooth and predictable GST framework across the country.