Omar Government Introduces Bill to Align J&K’s GST Law with CGST
Jammu, March 22, 2025: The Jammu and Kashmir government has introduced its first legislative bill of the year, the Jammu & Kashmir Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill-2025, during the ongoing budget session in the Legislative Assembly. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary tabled the bill on behalf of Finance Minister Omar Abdullah. The proposed legislation aims to align the Union Territory’s GST law with the amendments made to the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) law.
The amendments are regulatory in nature, focusing on streamlining tax regulations without imposing any recurring or non-recurring financial burden on the state’s resources. The bill seeks to ensure that J&K’s tax framework remains consistent with national standards, reflecting the government’s commitment to harmonizing local laws with central policies.
Speaking on the bill, Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary emphasized the importance of maintaining uniformity in tax laws across the country. He stated that the amendments would enhance the efficiency of tax collection and compliance in the Union Territory, benefiting both businesses and the administration.
The introduction of the bill marks a significant step in the National Conference-led government’s efforts to modernize and align J&K’s financial systems with the rest of the country. Legislative officials confirmed that the bill had been published in an extraordinary issue of the Official Gazette and received the necessary recommendation from the Lieutenant Governor under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019.
The move has been welcomed by financial experts, who believe that aligning J&K’s GST law with the CGST framework will simplify tax processes and foster a more business-friendly environment in the region. The government’s focus on regulatory amendments without additional financial implications has also been praised as a prudent approach.
The bill is expected to be debated further in the Assembly before being passed into law. If enacted, it will bring J&K’s tax regulations in line with the latest national standards, ensuring consistency and compliance across the board.
