Solution to shore up revenues does not lie in depriving GST of its progressive character

The GST Council is scheduled to meet on December 18 with the agenda to arrest falling collections. The shortfall in revenues is impacting compensation to the states, and the unrest is palpable. The debate has changed from inflated and bogus input tax credit claims and non-filing of returns to addressing inefficiencies in the rate structure. Suggestions in public domain include increase in the lowe…