Jammu & Kashmir's GST Surge: A Beacon of Economic Growth

Jammu and Kashmir has experienced a steady increase in Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections, reaching a total revenue of Rs 24,080.79 crore from the past three financial years. This rise indicates improved compliance and an expanding tax base, according to the Union Territory government's announcement.

The figures were disclosed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in response to a question by National Conference MLA Pirzada Farooq Ahmed in the Assembly. Abdullah highlighted the rise in GST collections from Rs 7,272.15 crore in 2022–23 to Rs 8,128.44 crore in 2023–24, and further to Rs 8,680.20 crore in 2024–25. Additionally, Jammu and Kashmir received Rs 15,795.13 crore as its share of Integrated GST (IGST) during this period.

The GST regime, initiated in 2017, replaces a complex indirect tax system with a unified one, reducing tax cascading and enhancing compliance through technology-driven avenues like online registration and e-way bill generation. The system has particularly aided sectors like handicrafts, horticulture, and tourism, though smaller businesses face challenges that the government seeks to mitigate with ongoing support measures.