1. Bhubaneswar: The 27th GST Council, which met through video conferencing on Friday, deferred the decision to levy Cess on sugar. The council recommended for setting up of a Group of Ministers from state governments to look into the proposal and make recommendations, within two weeks, keeping in mind the views expressed in GST Council in this regard.The Council discussed the issue of imposition of sugar cess over and above 5% GST on sugar and reduction in GST rate on ethanol in view of the record production of sugar in the current sugar season, and consequent depressed sugar prices and build-up of sugarcane arrears.The union finance minister, Arun Jaitley, presided over the meeting through video conferencing. Odisha finace minister Sashi Bhusan Behera and finance principal secretary TK Pandey attended the meeting.
  2. The Council also deferred the decision to provide incentive to promoter Digital Transactions.
  1. The Council  discussed the proposal of a concession of 2% in GST rate [where the GST rate is 3% or more, 1% each from applicable CGST and SGST rates] on B2C supplies, for which payment is made through cheque or digital mode, subject to a ceiling of Rs. 100 per transaction, so as to incentivise promotion of digital payment.
  2. The Council recommended for setting up of a Group of Ministers from state governments to look into the proposal and make recommendations, before the next Council meeting, keeping in mind the views expressed in GST Council.