MUMBAI : Gross GST collections in December stood at approximately ₹1.75 lakh crore, compared with about ₹1.64 lakh crore in the same month last year. While collections from Central GST (CGST) and State GST (SGST) recorded growth during the month, Integrated GST (IGST) witnessed a year-on-year decline, according to the data.

For the April–December period of the 2025–26 fiscal year, gross GST collections rose 8.6 per cent to around ₹16.5 lakh crore, up from ₹15.2 lakh crore in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal. During this period, all components—CGST, SGST and IGST—posted growth.

The broader picture remains robust. India’s GST system achieved a major milestone in 2024–25, registering its highest-ever annual collection of ₹22.08 lakh crore, marking a 9.4 per cent increase over the previous year. Average monthly GST collections reached ₹1.84 lakh crore, the highest level since the tax regime was launched in 2017. Collections have steadily climbed from ₹11.37 lakh crore in 2020–21 to ₹20.18 lakh crore in 2023–24, reflecting stronger economic activity and better compliance.

Officials attributed the positive trajectory partly to reforms guided by the GST Council, which was established under the Constitution to steer GST policy. Chaired by the Union Finance Minister and comprising state finance ministers and senior officials, the Council has held 55 meetings since its formation in 2016, introducing several measures to simplify the tax framework and make it more business-friendly.

A major reform push came on September 3, 2025, when next-generation GST rationalisation measures were unveiled, days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the move from the Red Fort during his Independence Day address. In a landmark decision at its 56th meeting, the GST Council reduced the tax structure from four slabs, 5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent and 28 per cent, to two primary rates: 5 per cent as the merit rate and 18 per cent as the standard rate, along with a 40 per cent special rate for select sin and luxury goods.

The overhaul, which came into effect on September 22, coinciding with the first day of Navratri, was aimed at easing the tax burden on citizens while stimulating economic growth. Recent GST figures suggest that the reforms are reinforcing confidence in India’s economic outlook and fiscal framework.