Addressing concerns and queries raised by Members of Parliament during the debate over the Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023, Sitharaman shared that each state would have two benches of the tribunal. These would be strategically located, with one in the state capital and the other in key commercial centers based on the inputs received from the states.
The amendments align the eligibility and age norms for members and the President of the Appellate Tribunals with the Tribunal Reforms Act of 2021. Sitharaman emphasized the taxpayer's freedom to transition from the High Courts and the Supreme Court to the newly established tribunals, ensuring a faster resolution of their cases.
Responding to concerns about glitches faced by taxpayers, multiple tax rates, and the need for simplification, Sitharaman acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the GST Council to rationalize rates. She mentioned the formation of a Group of Ministers (GoM) within the GST Council, tasked with the substantial exercise of rate rationalization.
However, she pointed out that the recent change in the government of Karnataka necessitates a relook at the committee chairman's role and subsequent reconstitution of the committee. The rationalization of rates is part of this broader initiative undertaken by the GoM within the GST Council.