Kerala will take the initiative to raise the issue of profiteering by traders misusing the Goods and Service Tax (GST) system.
The State Cabinet that met here on Wednesday decided to propose stern measures to check profiteering by traders at the GST Council.
The meeting observed that the GST system was riddled with problems three months into its introduction, causing difficulties for tax payers and consumers. A section of traders was capitalising on the uncertainties in the GST regime and the lack of an effective software. The State governments had limitations in intervening in the functioning of the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) designed for traders to remit taxes.
In the light of the insufficiencies of the software system, the Cabinet decided to urge the GST Council not to levy fine for late filing of returns by traders. It also resolved to demand a downward revision of GST on certain items, in view of the burden on the common man and the impact on economic growth.
The State will also ask for the appointment of a technical officer in Kerala to resolve the software glitches.
Traders’ complaints
The meeting also opted for a series of measures to resolve the complaints raised by traders. The district facilitation centres would be strengthened and Akshaya Centres and 180 circles of the GST Department would also be equipped for the task. An accounting software would be provided free of cost for traders filing returns.
The Cabinet decided to implement the recommendations of the tenth pay revision for employees of the State Council for Science, Technology and Environment and allied institutions. As many as 206 posts would be created in the Prisons Department.
An amount of ₹20 lakh would be sanctioned from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund as assistance for the family of civil police officer P. Praveen, who was killed in an accident when his vehicle providing escort for former Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan met with an accident.
