STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday to review the implementation and enforcement of GST 2.0 reforms across Jammu & Kashmir. The reforms aim to ensure that tax rate reductions-especially on life-saving medicines and essential commodities-are effectively passed on to consumers, thereby improving affordability and increasing household savings.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Finance Santosh D. Vaidya; Commissioner Secretary, FCS&CA, Saurabh Bhagat; Secretary Health; Commissioner State Taxes; senior officers from Industries & Commerce; and representatives of the Drug and Food Control Organisation (DFCO).
The Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of rigorous market inspections and mass awareness campaigns to prevent profiteering by traders and ensure that the benefits of tax cuts reach end consumers. He underlined that the core objective of GST 2.0 is to strengthen the anti-profiteering framework and make healthcare and daily essentials more accessible.
Giving details, Principal Secretary Santosh D. Vaidya informed that the revised GST rates came into effect from September 22, 2025, following recommendations of the 56th GST Council Meeting held on September 3. J&K promptly issued nine notifications under the J&K GST Act to operationalize these changes, instructing manufacturers to revise MRPs in line with anti-profiteering provisions.
To ensure compliance, a coordinated enforcement and awareness campaign has been launched. The Legal Metrology Department conducted 3,304 inspections across districts, registering 135 violations. Of these, 82 cases were compounded on the spot, with penalties totaling Rs 11.84 lakh imposed. Similarly, the State Taxes Department issued 28 notices for offenses like non-issuance of invoices and tax miscalculations, proposing penalties worth Rs 5.60 lakh.
Additionally, 411 revised MRP lists from various companies are being monitored to confirm that price reductions are being implemented. Manufacturers and importers have been instructed to update MRPs and circulate revised price lists to dealers.
Public awareness efforts include circulars and notices in leading newspapers, interactive sessions on Akashvani and Doordarshan, and 150 consumer camps conducted by the Legal Metrology Department. Regular meetings with industry and trade bodies have also been held.
To support stakeholders, GST Suvidha Kendras have been activated in all districts for compliance assistance and grievance redressal.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Chief Secretary stressed that vigilant enforcement and public engagement will continue to ensure that GST 2.0 reforms deliver on their goal of reducing the financial burden on citizens.
