<h1>GST Council Finalizes Key Decisions After Nine Meetings; Outreach to Trade Begins April 1, 2017.</h1> The Finance Minister announced that the GST Council has reached consensus on nearly all issues, finalizing recommendations after extensive discussions. The government has implemented provisions of the Constitutional Amendment Act, including forming the GST Council, which held nine meetings to address GST rate structures, exemptions, and compensation to states. Preparations for the IT system are on schedule, and outreach efforts to inform the trade industry about GST will begin on April 1, 2017. The GST aims to be the largest tax reform since Independence, expected to increase tax revenue for both central and state governments by expanding the tax base.