Jammu Kashmir Tightens GST 2.0 Enforcement to Curb Profiteering, Ensure Cheaper Essentials, Medicines

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has intensified market enforcement and compliance drives to ensure that the benefits of the recently introduced GST 2.0 reforms—particularly the reduction of tax rates on essential commodities and lifesaving drugs—are directly passed on to consumers.

Chairing a high-level review meeting in Jammu, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo directed departments to conduct rigorous inspections and maintain strict vigil against traders and manufacturers who fail to revise prices in line with the new GST regime. “The core objective of GST 2.0 reforms is to strengthen the anti-profiteering framework, increase household savings, and make healthcare and other daily essentials more affordable. It is our foremost responsibility to ensure these objectives are met under all circumstances,” Dulloo said.

The reforms, which came into effect on September 22 following the 56th GST Council Meeting, introduced significant tax reductions on essential items. Principal Secretary, Finance, Santosh D. Vaidya, informed that nine corresponding notifications were promptly issued under the J&K GST Act to operationalise the revised rates. Manufacturers and importers have been instructed to circulate updated price lists and revise the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) on all products to reflect the tax changes.

Officials said a coordinated enforcement drive has been launched by the State Taxes Department, Legal Metrology, Industries and Commerce, and the Drug and Food Control Organisation (DFCO). The Legal Metrology Department, Commissioner Secretary Saurabh Bhagat reported, has conducted 3,304 inspections across districts to prevent overcharging and ensure accurate pricing of pre-packed goods. The drive led to 135 violation cases, 82 of which were compounded on the spot, with penalties amounting to Rs 11.84 lakh imposed on erring traders.

Simultaneously, the State Taxes Department issued 28 notices for offences such as non-issuance of invoices and incorrect tax computation, proposing penalties totalling Rs 5.60 lakh. The department is also verifying the enforcement of 411 revised MRP lists from various companies to ensure compliance.

To raise public awareness, the administration has launched a broad information campaign, with circulars and public notices published in major newspapers. The State Taxes Department has used All India Radio and Doordarshan to explain the nature and benefits of the tax reductions. Additionally, 150 consumer awareness camps have been organised by Legal Metrology in coordination with Vyapar Mandals and industry associations to educate traders and consumers.

The Chief Secretary directed that vigilance and coordination continue “at all levels” until full compliance is achieved. GST Suvidha Kendras in all districts have been activated to assist traders and consumers with monitoring, grievance redressal, and technical guidance.

Officials said the reforms mark a major push towards consumer-centric taxation in Jammu and Kashmir—one that the government hopes will not only curb profiteering but also ease the cost burden on families across the Union Territory.