Buzz of GST rate hike everywhere except my office: Nirmala Sitharaman

The finance minister, responding to reports of a possible increase in GST, said the buzz is everywhere other than her office.

"Buzz is everywhere other than my office," Nirmala Sitharaman said. She was responding to a question on whether the GST Council, which will meet on December 18, take up the matter of hike in rates as the shortfall has hit revenue target of the government.

States have complained of delay in GST compensation owing to the shortfall in GST kitty.


Tepid revenue growth in the current fiscal has cast a shadow over government's finances. The GST Council could consider ways to boost collections in its upcoming meeting on December 18.