Summary of Points Finalized in the Meeting

Ratification of Notifications and Circulars
The Council approved the deemed ratification of all notifications, circulars, and orders issued under GST laws from 30th September 2020 to 18th May 2021 by the Central Government and similar notifications issued by States. 43rd GST Council Minutes, page 6

Decisions of the GST Implementation Committee (GIC)
The Council took note of 53 decisions taken by GIC between 14th September 2020 and 1st May 2021, mostly trade-facilitative measures like return extensions and relief during COVID-19. It was decided that the Law Committee would review whether the GIC’s authority to act between Council meetings was in line with rules. 43rd GST Council Minutes, pages 6–8

Constitution of Grievance Redressal Committees (GRCs)
Council noted that Grievance Redressal Committees had been formed in almost all zones except Gujarat (Ahmedabad) and Haryana (Panchkula). Both states confirmed completion of formation. 43rd GST Council Minutes, page 9

Performance Report of National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA)
The Council took note of performance reports for Q2, Q3, and Q4 of FY 2020–21 under Rule 127(iv) of the CGST Rules, 2017. 43rd GST Council Minutes, page 9

Ad-hoc Customs Exemption Orders
Council noted ad-hoc exemptions under Section 25(2) of the Customs Act, including those related to life-saving drugs (Zolgensma, Remdesivir) and COVID-19 relief imports, extending IGST exemption on such imports till 30th June 2021. 43rd GST Council Minutes, pages 10–11

Closure of GoM on IGST Settlement
As the GoM on IGST Settlement had fulfilled its terms of reference, the Council decided to formally close the GoM. 43rd GST Council Minutes, page 11

GSTN-Related Decisions

Extension of REAP, LEAP, and BIFA projects till 31st March 2022.

In-principle approval for expanding IRP for e-invoicing.

Deputation guidelines for manpower from States to GSTN.

Update on conversion of GSTN to a 100% government-owned company.

Waiver of interest on delayed user charges from a few States. 43rd GST Council Minutes, pages 12–13

Rationalisation of Late Fees
Capping of late fees for GSTR-3B and GSTR-1 filings based on turnover:

Nil return: ₹500 cap

Up to ₹1.5 crore: ₹2,000 cap

₹1.5–5 crore: ₹5,000 cap

Above ₹5 crore: ₹10,000 cap

Similar rationalisation for GSTR-4 and GSTR-7. 43rd GST Council Minutes, page 14

Simplification of Annual Returns for FY 2020–21

Exemption for turnover up to ₹2 crore.

Self-certification allowed; CA certification no longer mandatory.

Threshold for GSTR-9C retained at ₹5 crore.

Amendment to Sections 35 and 44 of CGST Act to be notified w.e.f. 1 August 2021. 43rd GST Council Minutes, pages 15–16

Amendments to Return-Related Provisions
Council approved replacing the earlier GSTR-1/2/3 model with the current GSTR-1/3B system through amendments to Sections 37–43 of the CGST Act. 43rd GST Council Minutes, page 17

Exemption for Government Departments
Government departments and local authorities were exempted from e-invoicing requirements due to minimal ITC impact. 43rd GST Council Minutes, page 18

Amnesty Scheme for Late Filing of Returns
Amnesty scheme approved reducing late fee for GSTR-3B returns (July 2017–April 2021) to:

₹500 per return (nil tax)

₹1,000 per return (others), if filed between 1 June and 31 August 2021. 43rd GST Council Minutes, page 18

Retrospective Amendment on Interest under Section 50
Section 50(1) amended retrospectively to levy interest only on net cash liability from 1 July 2017. 43rd GST Council Minutes, page 19

QRMP Scheme Review
Proposal discussed to convert Quarterly Return and Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme into Quarterly Return and Quarterly Payment (QRQP) scheme; referred to Law Committee for detailed study. 43rd GST Council Minutes, page 20

COVID-19 Relief Measures
Multiple relaxations approved including:

Reduced interest and late fee for delayed GSTR-3B filings (March–May 2021).

Extended deadlines for ITC-04, GSTR-4, and composition returns.

Use of EVC in place of DSC till 31 August 2021.