Venue: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
Chairperson: Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Finance Minister

Summary of Points Finalized in the Meeting

Deemed Ratification of Notifications and Circulars
The Council ratified notifications, circulars, and orders issued after the 27th meeting up to 16 July 2018. It included Central, Integrated, and Union Territory GST Acts. The ratification extended to similar notifications issued by the States.
GST Council Minutes, page 5

Decisions of GST Implementation Committee (GIC)
The Council noted decisions taken by the GIC regarding operational and procedural matters under GST.
GST Council Minutes, page 6

IT Grievance Redressal Committee (ITGRC)
The Council approved migration relief for taxpayers who had submitted Part A of REG-26 but could not complete migration. The deadline was extended till 31 August 2018.
Late fees for such taxpayers were waived, and filing of TRAN-1 and TRAN-2 was allowed in 122 specific technical cases.
GST Council Minutes, pages 7–8, page 8

Review of Revenue Position

Total GST collection for April–June 2018 averaged around ₹97,000 crore per month.

Ad hoc IGST settlement of ₹50,000 crore (₹25,000 crore each to Centre and States) was approved.

The Council noted declining return filing percentages and urged better compliance monitoring.

The Council approved public disclosure of State-wise GST revenue data for transparency.
GST Council Minutes, pages 8–11

Revenue Shortfall Studies
A study based on the Chief Economic Advisor’s report for Bihar will be used to analyze revenue shortfalls in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Puducherry, with a report to be submitted within 45 days.
GST Council Minutes, page 11

Proposals for Amendments in GST Acts (Law Committee Recommendations)
The Council approved 48 amendments in the CGST, IGST, UTGST, and Compensation Acts. Key highlights:

Amendment to Section 7 clarifying definition of “supply” with retrospective effect.

Increased annual turnover limit for Composition Scheme from ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore.

Flexibility to raise registration threshold for Special Category States from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh.

Provision for greater discretion in distribution of unutilized Compensation Fund.
GST Council Minutes, pages 12–18

Simplification of GST Returns
The Council endorsed a simplified return filing process aimed at reducing compliance burden and promoting ease of filing for small taxpayers.
GST Council Minutes, page 17