Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday rolled out GST 2.0 reforms, introducing sweeping changes to simplify the tax structure and strengthen consumer welfare in line with national reforms.
Effective September 22, GST now follows a two-tier rate system of 5% and 18%, replacing the earlier four slabs of 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%. Officials said this rationalisation has brought down prices for nearly 99% of daily-use items.
“The Government has commenced implementation of next-generation GST reforms 2.0, aligning with the national tax rationalisation drive and reaffirming its commitment to consumer welfare,” an official spokesperson said.
To ensure smooth rollout, the administration has framed Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for the State Taxes, Legal Metrology, Health & Medical Education, and Industries & Commerce departments. Market surveillance will be strengthened through divisional and district-level enforcement teams, according to an order issued by Principal Secretary (Finance) Santosh D Vaidya.
The reforms are being implemented through a seven-step protocol:
Policy communication – advisories for industry and trade on revised GST rates.
Citizen support – GST Suvidha Kendras and helplines in every district to assist with compliance, return filing, code remapping and grievance redressal.
Awareness & capacity building – webinars, brochures, and radio/social media campaigns to spread awareness.
Monitoring & documentation – collection of invoices and voluntary price declarations to ensure benefits reach consumers.
Consumer feedback – channels for public input on GST 2.0 implementation.
Enforcement & coordination – joint efforts by multiple departments for compliance.
Review & reporting – regular assessment of progress and impact.
Departments have also been tasked with specific roles:
Legal Metrology: strict checks on MRP revisions, transparent labelling, and penalising overpricing.
Health & Medical Education: awareness campaigns and surprise inspections to ensure tax cuts on medicines and services reach patients.
Industries & Commerce: coordination with businesses and launch of a new consumer complaint portal for redressal.
