PANJIM: In a significant governmental reshuffle, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister, has been appointed as the permanent representative of the State in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council. This decision marks the end of Minister Mauvin Godinho’s six-year tenure as the State’s representative, a role he assumed during the leadership of former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
This strategic nomination, ratified by the Chief Minister-headed government, underscores the administration’s intent to bring a new dynamic to its representation in the GST Council. Last year, Godinho was entrusted with the critical task of rationalising GST rates as a member of the Group of Ministers (GoM). However, with Sawant’s appointment, Godinho will relinquish this influential position.
Chief Minister Sawant is poised to participate actively in all forthcoming GST Council meetings, ensuring the State’s interests are robustly represented. It is noteworthy that in most other States, the Finance Minister traditionally assumes the role of GST Council representative, aligning Goa with this common practice.
The GST Council, a pivotal body formed to oversee the intricate framework of Goods and Services Tax in India, is gearing up for its first meeting post the inauguration of the Narendra Modi-led government 3.0. Scheduled for June 22 in New Delhi, this meeting is expected to delve into the rationalisation of the indirect tax structure.
Comprised of the Union Finance Minister and representatives from all States and Union Territories, the GST Council is charged with the responsibility of making crucial decisions on GST-related matters such as tax rates, exemptions, and administrative protocols. In 2021, Godinho played a vital role in two key GoM committees focusing on Revenue Analysis and Boosting the Real Estate sector.
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