The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meeting, originally slated for September 12, is now expected to be rescheduled to early October, likely October 7. This postponement aims to prevent a logistical conflict with the BRICS Leaders’ Summit, which is set to take place in Delhi from September 12-13.
The decision to shift the GST Council meeting stems from the significant logistical arrangements required for the BRICS Summit. Dignitaries are anticipated to arrive in Delhi on September 11 and depart on September 14, necessitating extensive security and traffic management measures. As a precautionary step, Central government offices in Delhi are expected to close on September 11, with many schools potentially moving to online instruction or declaring a holiday.
Sources indicate that the 57th GST Council meeting could now convene on October 7 in Delhi. This would be preceded by two days of preparatory officers’ meetings on October 5 and 6. An official announcement regarding the revised schedule is still pending.
This upcoming meeting will be significant, marking the Council’s first gathering in a year since its last session on September 3, 2025. Typically, the Council is expected to meet once every quarter.
Key Agenda Items for the Rescheduled GST Council Meeting
Key items on the agenda include a review of the impact of recent tax cuts on consumer prices and an assessment of states’ revenue positions. The Council is also expected to discuss further process reforms, such as simplifying registration and refund norms, and evaluating the operational status of the GST Appellate Tribunal.
Calls for rate reductions on various goods and services, including potentially lowering smartphone GST from 18%, are also likely to be considered during the deliberations.