A Critical Overview of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the Indian Context

Abstract

The Goods and Services Tax (GST), introduced in India on July 1, 2017, stands as a landmark reform in the country’s tax structure since independence. Originally intended for launch in April 2010, political hurdles and differing stakeholder interests delayed its implementation. GST seeks to unify India’s fragmented indirect tax system by consolidating various levies such as excise duty, VAT, and service tax into a single, transparent tax regime. This unified structure is projected to increase the national GDP by 1–2% and reduce tax evasion and corruption (Nayyar & Singh, 2018).