The 57th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, held in New Delhi on October 8, was met with widespread approval from state leaders, who said the latest reforms would simplify the tax regime, ease compliance and address business concerns.
The council’s focus on procedural and structural changes drew positive reactions from finance ministers and chief ministers across the country. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted the council’s role in bringing states together to streamline the tax framework and improve convenience for citizens. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant welcomed the reforms, noting they would reduce difficulties for people and make the GST system more user‑friendly.
West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta praised the council’s deliberations, emphasizing that GST remains a significant revenue source for the state. He argued that the new structural reforms rationalise provisions and strengthen ease of doing business, offering long‑term benefits. Dasgupta also acknowledged past compliance challenges but noted improved awareness and described the council’s work as highly positive.
Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna lauded the council’s consistent role in addressing business grievances and simplifying procedures. He commended Central Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s efforts to make the system more taxpayer‑friendly and protect businesses from unnecessary difficulties. Khanna recalled the September 3 rate rationalisation, which relieved consumers without hurting government revenues, and said the latest meeting shifted focus to easing procedures for businesses, from registration to refunds. He described the measures as a major Diwali gift for the business community and welcomed steps to reduce unwarranted arrests under GST law, noting the government’s approach of first easing consumer rates and then tackling business procedural hurdles.
