Chief Secretary Reviews GST 2.0 Implementation, Stresses on Passing Benefits to Consumers
SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation and enforcement of GST 2.0 reforms across Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that the benefits of tax reductions on essential goods and life-saving medicines must directly reach the end consumers.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Finance; Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA); Secretary, Health; Commissioner, State Taxes; Secretary, Industries & Commerce; Directors, I&C Kashmir and Jammu, besides other senior officers.
During the review, the Chief Secretary took stock of the enforcement and compliance measures being carried out by the State Taxes Department, Legal Metrology, Industries & Commerce, and the Drug & Food Control Organisation (DFCO). He called for strict market inspections and robust public awareness campaigns to ensure that the benefits of tax rate reductions are not lost to profiteering.
He reiterated that the core aim of GST 2.0 is to strengthen the anti-profiteering framework, boost household savings, and make healthcare and daily essentials more affordable. “It is our foremost responsibility to ensure that these objectives are achieved under all circumstances,” Dulloo emphasized.
Providing an update on implementation, Principal Secretary, Finance, Santosh D. Vaidya, informed that following the recommendations of the 56th GST Council Meeting on September 3, 2025, the revised GST rates came into effect on September 22, 2025. He added that J&K promptly issued nine corresponding notifications under the J&K GST Act to operationalize the new rates, mandating manufacturers to revise Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) in line with the anti-profiteering provisions.
Officials informed that a coordinated enforcement and sensitization campaign has been launched involving the State Taxes Department, Legal Metrology, and Industries & Commerce Department.
Commissioner Secretary, FCS&CA, Saurabh Bhagat, reported that the Legal Metrology Department conducted 3,304 inspections across all districts to prevent overcharging and ensure accurate pricing of pre-packed goods. This resulted in 135 violation cases, with 82 compounded on the spot and penalties worth ₹11.84 lakh imposed on erring traders.
Simultaneously, the State Taxes Department issued 28 notices for violations including non-issuance of invoices and incorrect tax computation, proposing penalties totaling ₹5.60 lakh.
Manufacturers and importers have been instructed to circulate updated price lists and revise MRPs on existing stocks. The Legal Metrology Department is currently monitoring 411 revised MRP lists from various companies to ensure that benefits are effectively transferred to consumers.
To raise awareness, the government has launched an extensive outreach campaign through newspaper notices, radio talks, and television interactions. The Commissioner, State Taxes Department, conducted special sessions on Akashvani and Doordarshan explaining the reforms and their consumer benefits.
Additionally, the Legal Metrology Department organized 150 consumer awareness camps and regular interactions with Vyapar Mandals, industry associations, and trade bodies to sensitize them about the new tax regime.
To aid compliance and grievance redressal, GST Suvidha Kendras have been activated in all districts.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo directed all concerned departments to maintain strict vigilance and coordinated enforcement to ensure that GST 2.0 reforms successfully reduce citizens’ financial burden and make essential commodities and healthcare more affordable across the Union Territory.
