Summary of Points Finalized in the Meeting

Deemed Ratification of Notifications and Circulars:
The Council ratified notifications, circulars, and orders issued by the Central Government between 28th September and 13th December 2018.

GST Implementation Committee (GIC):
The Council took note of decisions made by GIC during the period and endorsed them.

IT Grievance Redressal Committee (ITGRC):
Approved decisions from ITGRC’s 3rd meeting on 26th October 2018.
It was agreed that the Law Committee would examine the proposal to expand ITGRC’s mandate to cover non-technical issues faced by taxpayers.

Review of Revenue Position:

Revenue collections for Sept–Nov 2018 ranged between ₹94,000–₹1,00,000 crore.

Several States raised concerns about declining revenues and shortfalls despite GST stabilization.

A 7-Member Group of Ministers (GoM) with experts and research institutions like NIPFP was constituted to analyse structural revenue issues and shortfalls.

Fitment Committee Recommendations:

Various rate rationalisations and clarifications were discussed (details of specific items in Annexures).

Items like GST rate revision, clarifications on taxability, and withdrawal of specific agenda items (e.g., liquor licence fee) were considered.

Council discussed reducing rates on certain items, proposals for small taxpayers, and deferred decisions on some.

Law Committee Recommendations:

Extension of due dates for various returns (GSTR-8, GSTR-9, GSTR-9A, GSTR-9C).

Extension for migration of taxpayers till 31st March 2019.

Clarifications issued on refunds, exports, and TDS under Section 51.

Proposal for centralised Authority for Advance Ruling and Appellate Authority.

Decision to amend Section 50 of CGST Act for interest on net cash liability.

Reduction of late fees for delayed returns (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-4) for July 2017–Sept 2018.

Introduction of trial new return system from 1 April 2019 and mandatory use from 1 July 2019.

Rationalisation of cash ledger and single interface for refund disbursal.

GSTN Restructuring:
Approval to modify Articles and Memorandum of Association of GST Network (GSTN) converting it into a 100% government-owned entity.

Revenue Mobilisation Group:
Council reviewed and noted the progress report on work of the GoM on revenue mobilisation.

SGST (Amendment) Bill, 2018:
Status report on passage of amendments in various States and UTs noted.

Committee Reconstitution:
Membership of Law, Fitment, and IT Committees reconstituted.

Other Agenda Items Approved:

Extension of due date for filing GST ITC-04 (July 2017–Dec 2018).

Consideration of measures for real estate sector (composition scheme for residential construction).

Proposal to increase threshold exemption limit for goods suppliers to ₹75 lakh (₹20 lakh for special category States).

Proposal for uniform GST rate on lotteries run or authorised by State Governments.

In summary:
The 31st GST Council Meeting primarily focused on revenue shortfall analysis, return filing extensions, taxpayer relief measures, GSTN restructuring, and preparation for implementation of the new return system. A GoM was constituted