Arun Jaitley: GoM formed to look into Kerala's demand for calamity cess

New Delhi, Sep 28 GST Council, the highest decision making body of the Goods and Services Tax regime, Friday chose to set up a seven-part Group of Ministers to propose on cess interest for Kerala flood rehabilitation.

Briefing reporters after the 30th meeting of the GST Council, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the board talked about the proposal from Kerala to levy Calamity Tax, an exceptional duty or cess to raise extra assets went for meeting the expense of reproduction in Kerala in the aftermath of floods.

Since this would set a priority, a GoM was framed to give recommendations, he said.

The Council also looked into income patterns and deficiency of states, he stated, including state shortage this year is 13 for each penny and may reduce further as consumption picks up.

GST collections in many North-east states is above expectation.