From the compliance challenges faced by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups after the implementation of the next-generation Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms or GST 2.0 to the impact of the new two-slab GST framework on rural and urban livelihoods in September 2025, the Indian Council of Social Sciences (ICSSR 9) approved Science Council (ICSR9) on GST reforms and their socio-economic impact, this will be held across the country throughout the year.
ICSSR will extend financial support of up to ₹8 lakh per event to support institutions in organizing these nationwide academic discussions and policy dialogues. (HT Archives)ICSSR, an autonomous body under the Union Ministry of Education, will extend financial assistance to ₹8 lakhs per event to support institutions in organizing these nationwide academic discussions and policy dialogues. Based on various parameters including objective, concept design, resource persons, institutional capacity, thematic structure, budgetary justification and expected results, ICSSR has selected 96 proposals out of 595 applications received in the October 2025 call for organizing national-level seminars, conferences and conventions on next-generation GST reforms.
Of the 96 seminar proposals offered, 37 seminars will be convened by women academics and researchers, with conveners ranging from professors and associate professors to senior administrators. The approved proposals represent various institutions including 21 Central Universities, 17 State Universities, 28 Colleges, 27 Private Universities and 3 Research Institutes, covering disciplines such as Commerce, Management, Economics, Law, Tourism, Finance and Education.
The revised GST system, which came into effect on September 22, has reduced tax rates on around 375 items – from daily essentials like toothpaste to consumer goods like television sets. The new two-tier structure of 5% and 18% — plus a special 40% rate on ultra-luxury items — replaced the earlier four-slab structure with compensatory cesses of 5%, 12%, 18% and 28% on luxury and sin goods.
According to the detailed list of proposed proposals, the seminars will focus on sectoral transformation, MSME and entrepreneurial ecosystem and federal and socio-economic dimensions of GST reforms. Themes include agriculture, manufacturing, services, healthcare, insurance, tourism, rural industries and e-commerce, with special focus on Northeast India and community-specific studies such as weaving and agro-based enterprises.
Discussions during the conclave will explore digitalisation, compliance, tax rationalization and inclusive growth besides legal, governance and fiscal issues including state fiscal and federal balance under the new GST reforms.
ICSSR Member Secretary Dhananjay Singh said the nationwide event aims to encourage youth and researchers to analyze the impact of GST 2.0 on consumption patterns, sectoral outcomes and economic resilience. “Policy briefs and outcome reports of events will be compiled and published by ICSSR,” he added.
Manoj Mishra, Partner and Tax Dispute Management Leader at Grant Thornton India, said the ICSSR initiative is timely and strategically significant.
“Greater consumer awareness of GST rights will further promote transparency and ensure that tax benefits are passed on fairly. Conversations at ICSSR-supported seminars can bridge policy intent with ground-level implementation. In the long run, a compliant-confident MSME sector will strengthen formalization, deepen the tax base and strengthen the role of GST in India’s cat journey. 2047, ” he said.
