{
  "id": 12058678,
  "title": "Nirmala Sitharaman writes: Next-Gen GST & India’s next phase of growth",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/nirmala-sitharaman-writes-next-gen-gst-indias-next-phase-of-growth",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-05T02:46:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/nirmala-sitharaman-next-gen-gst-indias-next-phase-growth-10906899/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "India's vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat hinges on an economy where businesses of all sizes can thrive wherever they start. Since 2017, the government has endeavored to create such conditions with the introduction of GST. The next iteration, Next-Gen GST, builds on nine years of implementation and feedback from taxpayers and states. Its primary goals are to simplify rates and ease compliance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. The new rates came into effect on September 22, 2025, with further refinements pending before the GST Council.\n\nThis reform aims to provide households with relief, businesses with greater certainty, and taxpayers with a manageable system. States have been integral partners, sharing their priorities and expertise with the Council to shape decisions and implement changes. The progress of GST is contingent on collective national purpose and respect for each government's responsibilities. The data indicates a 25.8% increase in reported taxable supplies between October 2025 and July 2026 compared to the same period a year earlier, indicating robust economic growth.\n\nRevenue figures show an 11.6% rise in Gross GST collections from April-September 2026 compared to the previous year, with double-digit growth in four consecutive months. This growth has been uniform across all 11 sector groups and major states, reflecting a wide expansion. Consumer relief is evident in the 26.7% increase in reported sales to consumers. For small and medium enterprises, a national market offers a practical pathway to broader markets, enabling local investment and employment opportunities. The common GST framework facilitates these connections, and simplified administration is crucial for sustaining them.\n\nParticipation in the GST framework stands at nearly 1.71 crore registrations, up 15% from a year ago. GSTR-3B returns filed on time have increased by 12.6% compared to the same periods last year. The share of tax liability discharged through input tax credits has risen while accumulated credits have decreased, benefiting businesses reliant on credit use. Refunds amounting to approximately Rs 1.80 lakh crore were issued during April-September 2026, showcasing a well-functioning tax system. The states' revenue position has also strengthened, with aggregate SGST receipts growing by about 16% during the same period. This revenue boost supports infrastructure and public services, enhancing the environment for families and enterprises to pursue their goals. The taxpayer experience, particularly in refunds, is a critical measure of administrative efficiency. Moving forward, the system must continue to consider the costs for smaller participants, ensuring that every compliance improvement helps more businesses run and expand effectively.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Next-Gen GST introduced on September 22, 2025, to simplify rates and compliance.",
    "25.8% increase in reported taxable supplies from October 2025 to July 2026.",
    "11.6% rise in Gross GST collections from April-September 2026."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Next-Gen GST reform solidifies a uniform national market, offering relief to households, certainty to businesses, and a manageable system to taxpayers, thereby supporting India's goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}