Protect States’ Revenue in GST Reforms, Bhatti Urges Centre

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka has urged the Centre to safeguard states’ revenue interests while implementing GST reforms. He stressed that honest taxpayers should not face unnecessary difficulties, while strict action should be taken against those who deliberately evade taxes. Speaking at the 57th GST Council meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Delhi on Thursday, he recalled that states had significantly curtailed their independent taxation powers in support of GST, with the expectation that it would create a unified national market and strengthen the economy.

Vikramarka called for regional offices of the GST Network (GSTN) and the GST Council Secretariat to be established in Hyderabad, citing the city’s technological capabilities. He said Telangana could lose around ₹800 crore in annual revenue due to changes in motor vehicle taxation, according to the Centre’s estimates, and called for states to be informed of the full financial implications before tax changes are introduced. He also urged strict action against fraudulent GST registrations, misuse of Aadhaar and PAN details, and tax evasion in the scrap sector. Additionally, he sought adequate representation for Telangana in GST Council committees and the Standing Committee of Officers.