The goods and services tax (GST) is finally here, so perhaps now is the time to reflect on how the budget can be updated for a post-GST India. Just as the GST aims to create national uniformity in taxation, rethinking budgets can also push efficiency. So the budget for sanitation should factor in this benefit, maybe drawing some funds from the health ministry. Utilities are unable to do this in many parts of India, especially for non-remunerative customers. As the finance minister touted, a number of districts are now kerosene free—we can do the same across India with innovative rethinking of budgets.

Source: Mint July 02, 2017 21:33 UTC