Haryana to set up scrutiny panel on GST benefits

The Haryana government today said it has decided to constitute a two-member scrutiny committee to determine whether reductions in tax rates post rollout of GST have been passed on to consumers.

A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of State Level Steering Committee (SLSC) for Anti Profiteering Authority held under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary, Excise and Taxation, Sanjeev Kaushal here today, an official statement said.

The committee will comprise Commissioner, Central Excise and Customs, Rajesh Sanan and Haryana Additional Excise and Taxation Commissioner Vidhya Sagar.

Describing GST as a progressive step, Kaushal said that after implementation of the new indirect tax regime, tax on 89 items has gone down considerably, including spices, tea, wheat, rice and flour.
 

He said Section 171 of GST Act clearly provides that the supplier has to pass on the reduction in the rate of tax on any supply of goods or services or the benefit of input tax credit to the recipient.

The Additional Chief Secretary said in cases where the benefits have not been passed on, consumers can make a complaint against the company to the two-member scrutiny committee in the office of Excise and Taxation Commissioner, along with required proof, which could be an invoice, bill receipt or signed statement.

He said the aggrieved person can also send his complaint though e-mail.

The committee, on being satisfied that the supplier has not passed on the benefit to the recipient, would forward the application with its recommendation to the standing committee set up at the Central level to receive such complaints throughout the country.

If the standing committee is satisfied that there is evidence that the supplier has not passed the benefit, it would refer the matter to Director General, Safeguards for a detailed investigation, who in turn would submit its report within three months and take action accordingly.

Kaushal said the National Anti-Profiteering Authority, which is being set up, can order reduction in prices or return of the amount not passed on by way of commensurate reduction in prices, impose penalty and also cancel the registration of the company.