THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Chances appear bleak in terms of Kerala receiving its overdue share in GST compensation from Centre, if the agenda for upcoming GST Council meeting is anything to go by. The council is slated to discuss ways to raise GST revenue and compensation, rather than take up the issue of hitherto arrears payable to States.
Interestingly, the gross denial of arrears, comes despite Rs 65,000 available in the Centre’s fund specially created to compensate the states. In the wake of upcoming meeting, there was notification issued to pay up dues pertaining to September and October. Kerala is yet to receive any such compensation.
The callousness is worse with regard to October November dues, where Centre simply ignored state pleas citing financial distress and urgent need for the months’ compensations.
Given the ongoing attitude, there exists an alarming possibility of February funds not coming through. The govt will convey state’s situation to Centre once again, the Chief Minister said in a statement.
