GST Meet: FM Sitharaman Announces Biometric Aadhaar Authentication; Check Other Decisions

New Delhi: Nirmala Sitharaman made a slew of announcements after chairing the 53rd GST Council meeting here on Saturday.

The Union Finance Minister announced that biometric-based Aadhaar authentication will be introduced to check fake invoicing.

“There is going to be a rolling out of biometric-based Aadhaar authentication on an all-India basis. This will help us to combat fraudulent input tax credit claims made through fake invoices in the cases,” Sitharaman stated at a press conference.

She also spelt out a host of recommendations relating to taxation and tax exemption on services provided by Indian Railways.

The Central government was clear on bringing petrol and diesel under GST purview, and Sitharaman left it to the states to come on board and decide GST rate on fuel.

Following are the major announcements

* GST has suggested a uniform 12% GST on all solar cookers

* Sale of Railway platform tickets, facility of retiring rooms, waiting rooms, cloakroom services, battery operated car services are now exempted from GST

* Hostels for students located outside educational institutions also exempted from GST

* Uniform rate of 12% on all milk cans, irrespective of construction material

* Uniform GST rate of 12% will be applicable on all carton boxes and cases of corrugated and non-corrugated paper or paper board

* All types of sprinklers, including fire water sprinklers, will attract 12% GST

* Biometric-based Aadhaar authentication would be rolled out on across the country

* Time limit to furnish details and returns in the form GSTR 4 to be extended from April 30 to June 30 to help small taxpayers

* Interest and penalties for demand notices issued under Section 73 of the GST Act, including cases not involving fraud, suppression or misstatements, to be waived

* Monetary limit of Rs 20 lakh for GST appellate tribunal, Rs 1 crore for High Court and Rs 2 crore for Supreme Court recommended for filing of appeals by the department to reduce litigation.