GST Reform Must Keep Fraud in Check

Sonia Duggal

Oct 12

1 min read

The Finance Minister-led GST Council has recommended faster refunds, wider ITC eligibility, simpler compliance, removal of arrest provisions and a higher prosecution threshold. These remain recommendations requiring implementation.

Relief for honest businesses is welcome. But weaker deterrence could embolden organised invoice fraud and make revenue recovery harder. Faster refunds demand stronger verification, sharper intelligence and swift prosecution.

Reform must protect compliant taxpayers while keeping fraudsters firmly accountable. Public revenue cannot become the price of easier compliance.

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