The GST Council, under finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, will meet on September 9 here, with the agenda expected to focus on reforms in the GST framework.

This meeting, the 54th since the GST's rollout in 2017, is likely to take up rate rationalisation, reduction of tax slabs and duty inversion — a persistent issue where raw materials are taxed more heavily than finished goods.

In a post on the social media platform X, the GST Council confirmed the date.

The last meeting of the council — the apex body on GST-related decisions — was held on June 23, where Sitharaman said the upcoming session would feature a presentation by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on rate rationalisation. This presentation is expected to lay the groundwork for the Council's discussions on potential adjustments to GST rates.

Industry obervers are closely watching the meeting in the hope of significant changes, particularly simplifying compliance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Such changes could reduce the administrative burden on businesses, improve the ease of doing business and stimulate growth.

The council is also likely to address litigation, especially in complex areas such as online gaming, where disputes have been increasingly common.

Rajat Mohan, executive director at Moore Singhi, said: "The next meeting is poised to introduce essential reforms, including tax rate revisions, compliance simplifications and enhanced dispute resolution mechanisms."

He noted aligning the GST rate structure with current economic conditions might lead to a reduction in taxes on essential goods, while increasing them on luxury items, aiming to balance consumer relief with the government’s revenue needs.