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JAMMU: Manik Batra, Director, Batra Group and Chairman, ASSOCHAM J&K Council, today welcomed the recommendations of the 57th GST Council meeting held on October 8, describing them as a positive step towards simplifying tax administration, reducing compliance burdens and strengthening confidence among businesses.
He said the proposed reforms, particularly those relating to decriminalisation of certain GST offences, simplification of registration and compliance procedures, faster refunds and reduction in general penalties, reflect a constructive approach towards creating a more transparent, efficient and business-friendly tax environment.
Manik Batra observed that the proposed increase in the prosecution threshold from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore and the recommendation to remove arrest provisions under GST would provide greater procedural clarity and relief to businesses, while supporting a more trust-based relationship between industry and tax authorities.
He further emphasised that timely GST refunds and simplified compliance mechanisms are particularly important for MSMEs, traders and entrepreneurs, as they can help improve working capital availability, reduce administrative costs and enable businesses to focus on expansion, investment and employment generation.
Highlighting the significance of these reforms for Jammu & Kashmir, he said that a predictable and facilitative taxation framework would encourage entrepreneurship, strengthen local trade and industry, and improve the overall investment climate in the Union Territory.“Industry needs a taxation system that combines effective compliance with transparency, predictability and ease of doing business.
The GST Council’s recommendations are a welcome step in this direction. Their effective and timely implementation will be crucial in ensuring that businesses, particularly MSMEs and small traders, derive tangible benefits,” Manik Batra said.He also underscored the importance of continued dialogue between the government and industry stakeholders to address practical GST-related challenges and ensure that policy measures translate into meaningful improvements at the ground level.
He expressed confidence that the proposed measures, once implemented through the requisite legal and administrative processes, would contribute to a stronger business ecosystem, encourage investment and support sustainable economic growth across the country, including Jammu & Kashmir.
