Govt unable to crack GST e-wallet code as export refunds remain unpaid

Traders had supported the e-wallet mechanism to battle the crippling liquidity crunch that had set in after GST was imposed

Even as exporters and the government continue to argue over the amount of unpaid refunds under the goods and services tax (GST) regime, the much-awaited e-wallet mechanism remains a non-starter.

Traders had supported the e-wallet mechanism to battle the liquidity crunch that had set in after the GST was introduced.

Subsequently, a decision to adopt it was taken at the 22nd GST Council meet on October 6 last year, with an initial deadline for April 1.  However, after the deadline was missed, the government extended the roll-out by six months. Earlier this year, Business Standard was the first to point out that