Finance Minister says GST reforms will boost West Bengal’s revenue and business climate

Speaking to reporters in Delhi after the 57th GST Council meeting, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta described the session as "very, very positive" and stressed GST’s importance for West Bengal’s finances. He highlighted that the reforms focus on ease of doing business, with annual rate adjustments slated to take effect from April 1 and a push for greater tax-rate stability. The council plans to allow input-tax credit retention even if upstream suppliers default, speed up refund processing to a 10-day acknowledgment and 90% payout after risk checks, and expand credit to more expenses.

Automation of GST registrations and amendments is also proposed, along with simplified procedures for exporters and e-commerce sellers. Enforcement changes would move many violations from criminal courts to monetary penalties, reflecting a shift toward financial compliance.