GST collections rise 4.6% to ₹1.96L-cr in October

Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue in October neared ₹1.96 lakh crore— the fifth highest monthly collection since the tax regime’s 2017 launch—despite capturing a September when consumers postponed purchases awaiting the massive rate reductions effective September 22.

- Rajeev Jayaswal

October's figures primarily reflect September's business activity, when consumers deferred spending for the rate cuts. GST collection data for any month captures the preceding month's business activities.

The modest growth validates the government's GST 2.0 strategy, with November collections (reflecting business activities of October) expected to show the first full month of post-rate cut festive buying that ministers claim has surged.

Gross tax revenue from imports jumped 12.84% to ₹50,884 crore, pushing cumulative gross GST collections to ₹1,95,936 crore—a 4.6% increase compared to the same month last year —according to government data released on Saturday.