Hopeful of resolving issues to roll out GST from April 1: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

GANDHINAGAR: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said the Centre is still aiming to roll out the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime from April 1 and that a few critical issues that are pending are expected to be sorted out in the next few weeks.

Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia said once GST in place no dealer would be able to escape non payment of taxes. "There will be a computerised system to have invoice to invoice matching. The government is working overtime to make GST a reality," Adhia said.

"We would want it to be implemented from April if all issues are resolved. But implementing it before September 16 is a necessity," Arun Jaitley said. He was speaking at the eight edition of vibrant gujarat at a session on GST as the gamechanger for indian economy.


As of now the rollout of GST is stuck because of differences between the Centre and states on its implementation. As per the Constitutional Amendment passed by Parliament for the GST implementation, some of the existing levies would expire after September 16.

Jaitley added that a digitised economy along with GST will lead to expansion of formal economy.

With more efficient tax system and more digitisation, the economy would be cleaner, bigger, Jaitley said, adding that demonetisation can lead to more formal banking transactions, thus making the society more tax compliant.

"We are substantially in terms of taxation, a non-compliant society. The narrowness of our tax base is realised by the data. Formal transactions can lead to higher revenues, and make us more compliant," Jaitley said.