Hold urgent GST meet to cut tax on key medicines, equipment: States

 Also want to discuss the extension of the compensation period beyond July 2022

As the country grapples with a stronger second Covid wave, states want the Centre to urgently convene a meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, which has not met for the last six months. This comes after the chorus for rate cuts on key medicines and equipment grows louder.

Besides, states also want to discuss the extension of the compensation period, under the GST regime, beyond July 2022 in the council meeting as uncertain times cast a shadow over state finances.

States are demanding exemption of key Covid drugs like Remdesivir, medical-grade oxygen used in oxygen cylinders, and related supplements, which currently attract 12 percent tax.

Other decisions piled up include rationalization of GST rate slabs, correction of inverted duty on certain items, and inclusion of petroleum products, among others.

The law mandates the council to meet at least once a quarter, but the long gap this time has given rise to apprehensions.

Chhattisgarh health minister, T S Singh Deo, who represents the state at the council, told Business Standard that the state is going to write to the Centre for GST exemption on Remdesivir, and related supplements. “We are demanding a GST exemption on Remdesivir and some other items. But, the GST Council needs to meet for that. It should certainly have had a virtual meeting,” said Deo.