India, Oct. 8 -- The 57th GST Council meeting is underway in New Delhi on October 8, 2026, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chairing the meeting. Unlike the previous major GST rate rationalisation exercise, the latest meeting is focused largely on making GST compliance simpler, faster and more business-friendly.

The Council is discussing several important proposals covering Input Tax Credit (ITC), GST refunds, registration, return filing, arrest powers of GST officers, prosecution thresholds, decriminalisation and relief for small businesses and MSMEs.

Importantly, these are proposals under consideration and should not be treated as final decisions until the Council announces its recommendations.

GST Council Meeting 2026 Live: ...