<h1>India's GST: Streamlining Taxes, Boosting Economic Growth Since July 2017, Excludes Alcohol, Overseen by GST Council.</h1> The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced in India on July 1, 2017, to streamline indirect taxes by consolidating various Central and State taxes into a single tax, reducing the tax burden on goods and fostering a national market. The GST is a dual system where both the Centre and States levy taxes concurrently. The GST Council, comprising Union and State Finance Ministers, oversees its implementation. The GST replaced numerous taxes, including Central Excise Duty and State VAT, and applies to most goods and services, excluding alcohol. The system aims to enhance economic growth, simplify tax compliance, and improve the investment climate.