Sarbananda Sonowal seeks simpler GST reimbursement

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday took up the issue of revised scheme for budgetary support to industrial units under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime with Union Industry and Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu.

Sonowal met Prabhu in New Delhi and informed him about the concern expressed by industry stakeholders in the north-eastern region about the revised schemes. He requested Prabhu to re-examine the matter by holding discussions with the states and industry stakeholders in order to simplify the procedure of reimbursement. Industrial units in the region are concerned about the lack of clarity on the issue.

Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam's finance minister, said that the state will develop rules and guidelines on refunds to industrial units under the GST regime by December 15. Sonowal and Prabhu also discussed the announcement of a special fiscal package for the region.