Understanding the Origins and Key Figures of India's Goods and Services Tax

Since its introduction, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has led to an 11% increase in India's tax revenue. Implemented on July 1, 2017, GST represents a major financial reform, unifying various indirect taxes into a singular national tax framework. This transformation has streamlined India's entire taxation system.

Who is the architect of India's GST?

The honorific "Father of GST in India" is frequently associated with Dr. Vijay Kelkar, whose foundational work was crucial. However, the initial concept was proposed by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2000. While many policymakers supported its implementation, Prime Minister Vajpayee is largely recognized for starting the initiative.

India's GST Development Timeline

The Goods and Services Tax in India has a rich history:

• 2000: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee established a committee, chaired by Dr. Vijay Kelkar, to develop a model for the Goods and Services Tax.
• 2004: The Kelkar Task Force recommended a comprehensive GST framework.
• 2006: The GST concept was featured in multiple budget speeches by the then-Finance Minister P. Chidambaram.
• 2009: The Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers released its first discussion paper on GST.
• 2011: A Constitution Amendment Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha to facilitate GST implementation.
• 2014: The Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, 2014, was reintroduced in Parliament.
• 2016: Both houses of Parliament passed the bill, which then became law after receiving presidential assent.
• 2017: The GST officially came into effect on July 1.

Key Individuals Behind India's GST

Several prominent figures were instrumental in the development and implementation of India's GST:

• Dr. Vijay Kelkar: A leading Indian economist, Dr. Kelkar, as Chairman of the Finance Commission and Kelkar Corporation, significantly contributed to the development of the GST system.
• Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is credited with originating the GST concept in India, earning him the title "Father of GST in India." During his premiership, the initial steps toward GST implementation were taken, setting the course for its future.
• Arun Jaitley: As Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley played a pivotal role in successfully navigating the GST bill through Parliament and ensuring its effective implementation. His contributions were instrumental in addressing the political and economic complexities of GST.

Noteworthy Aspects of GST

Here are some interesting facts about the Goods and Services Tax:

• 1. Global Influences: India's GST framework incorporated elements from GST models adopted by other nations, such as Canada and Australia.
• 2. Dual System: India adopted a dual GST structure, similar to the federal system in the United States. This includes the Central GST (CGST) and the State GST (SGST).
• 3. GST Council: The GST Council serves as a crucial body for governing GST rates and administration. It is chaired by the Union Finance Minister and includes State Finance Ministers.
• 4. Technical Backbone: The GST Network (GSTN) provides the essential technical infrastructure for GST. It facilitates taxpayer registration, return filing, and compliance, thereby simplifying the entire process.

Conclusion

Understanding the individuals behind GST and its historical progression in India clarifies the evolution of this significant tax reform. Key figures like Prime Minister Vajpayee and Dr. Vijay Kelkar were instrumental in shaping the Indian GST model. Following its implementation, the central government has reported an average monthly tax collection of approximately Rs 1.55 lakh crore. The introduction of GST marks a major milestone in India's development, promising enhanced efficiency, transparency, and economic growth.