Cabinet secretary wants ministries to keep an eye on price rise after GST

Cabinet secretary PK Sinha has issued a fresh directive to all central ministries, including keeping an eye on price rise and shortage of any commodity, and immediately reporting to the concerned authorities in case there are any software glitches and complaints from traders. In addition to this, they would also be required to file weekly reports by Sunday.

Using these tactics, Sinha wants to keep ground level checks on the implementation of goods and services tax (GST).

"To make the transition smooth and painless for the general public as well as for the traders, it is essential that all the government functionaries constantly obtain and analyse feedback from ground level and take corrective steps wherever necessary," said the letter issued by the cabinet secretary.

Before this, the revenue department had taken the initiative of asking the ministries to set up their respective GST cells.

The form that ministries need to fill and file by Sunday seeks minute details and poses specific questions, like the position of prices of the products of the sector before and after GST.

It also includes the possible reasons behind the change in prices before and after GST.

"These cells shall constantly monitor and analyse the feedback from various channels such as nodal officers of attached organisations; call centres, consumer and business organisations, etc. The issues posed may be resolved in real time in consultation with the revenue department. You may also ensure that PSUs and field formations under your administrative jurisdiction also take similar steps to facilitate smooth transition into GST platform," the letter added.