India may look at increasing tax on some goods and services in a step toward moving to a simpler structure with fewer rates, according to people familiar with the matter.
A panel on goods and services tax, headed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, will likely meet in December to consider the overhaul from the current four-rate system, the people said, asking not to be identified as the discussions are private.
India currently taxes good and services produced in the countr ..
The two lowest rates could be raised by a percentage point each to 6% and 13%, respectively, the people said. While the rates would eventually be pared to three as part of a phased reduction plan, a group of state finance ministers is expected to submit proposals by the end of next month, they said.
A finance ministry spokesman didn’t immediately respond to a call seeking comments.
The plan to raise GST rates comes at a time when key Indian states are heading for polls early
next year, possibly making it an unpopular move in a nation only just recovering from the devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
