Context:
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha passed Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) (CGST) Bill, 2023.
What is the amendment?
- To change qualification for members of GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT)
- To raise age limit of President and Members of GSTAT.
CGST Act 2017 provides for levy and collection of CGST on intra-state supply of goods and services. Act also allows central government to set up GSTAT on recommendation of GST Council.
GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT):
- 2nd Appellate authority within GST framework
- Purpose – for hearing appeals against orders passed by Appellate Authority (1st authority) under CGST Act, 2017 and State GST Acts.
- Composition – president, a judicial member, and 2 technical members.
- Eligibility for judicial member – a judge of High Court, or a district judge or additional district judge having served for at least 10 years.
- Powers – Same as Civil Court for trying a case
Key changes introduced by Bill:
- Change in qualification for members of GSTAT –
- Allows advocates with at least 10 years of experience to be appointed as judicial member.
- They must have substantial experience in matters relating to indirect taxation.
- Age limit –
- Minimum age to be appointed as a member or president of GSTAT will be 50 years.
- Increases age limit for president of GSTAT from 67 to 70 years, and for members from 65 to 67 years.
Source: Economic Times
Previous Year Question
Consider the following items:
1. Cereal grains hulled
2. Chicken eggs cooked
3. Fish processed and canned
4. Newspapers containing advertising material
Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Good and Services Tax)?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Fish, crustaceans, molluscs & other aquatic invertebrates in processed, cured or frozen state are taxable at 5% rate under GST.
