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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
GST's 8th Anniversary: With disputes piling up, India pushes for faster, fairer resolution framework
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is arguably India's most significant tax reform. It has simplified compliance and administration by replacing multiple indirect tax levies within a single unified system, thus harmonising tax across states. Although this reform has made considerable strides in digital compliance, the GST system is now facing a critical challenge: a rising number of tax disputes and a growing backlog within the adjudication system, that is delaying dispute resolution. While Government has taken several notable measures, as GST completes eight years, it might be the opportune time to look at the evolution of the GST adjudication system . Also Read: GST @8: India's tax landscape has changed but key reforms are still pending Current Pendency at Different Adjudication Levels Under GST Pending GST cases have more than doubled—from 10k cases involving disputed demands of INR 22k crore in 2021-22 to 22k cases amounting to INR 1.14 lac crore in 2023-24. Alongside this, the cash amount blocked in pending indirect tax appeals has more than doubled over the same period, rising from INR 3.67 lac crore to INR 7.40 lac crore. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Crossout: New Apocalyptic MMO Crossout Play Now Undo Further compounding the issue is the extended timeline for dispute resolution. In 2023-24, approximately 22k indirect tax appeals have been pending across forums for over five years. For many taxpayers, particularly MSMEs, these blocked funds represent vital working capital frozen due to unresolved disputes, impacting operational liquidity. Challenges in the Current Adjudication System Live Events You Might Also Like: GST @8: PwC suggests petro-products' inclusion, lowering tax slabs Several factors such as differing legal interpretations across states have contributed to the challenge. Initially, businesses were not familiar with the laws and divergent positions were adopted, with minimal clarity and precedents. In adjudication, although the law imposes strict timelines for issuing Show Cause Notices (SCNs) and initial orders, the timelines for appellate decisions at first-level appeals or tribunal remain suggestive rather than binding. This has resulted in inconsistent adherence and rising case backlog. The pre-deposit requirement - mandating taxpayers to deposit 10% of the disputed tax upfront before filing appeals is another constraint. While intended to filter out frivolous cases, this requirement restricts cash flow for legitimate taxpayers, particularly smaller businesses with limited liquidity. While the Government has constituted the GST Appellate Tribunal and initiated the e-filing process, its operationalization is eagerly awaited. Measures Taken by Government You Might Also Like: Gross GST collections double in five years to hit record ₹22.08 lakh crore in FY25 The Government has introduced multiple measures aimed at reducing disputes and addressing systemic challenges. These include the issuance of FAQs, circulars, and advance rulings to clarify complex GST provisions and reduce misinterpretations leading to disputes. The National Litigation Policy was also introduced to rationalise government litigation by discouraging redundant appeals, thereby focusing resources on significant cases. Additionally, monetary thresholds for departmental appeals were established to prevent compulsive appeals by tax department from overburdening the system. In recognition of cash flow challenges faced by taxpayers, pre-deposit requirements have been relaxed. Additionally, Section 11A in the CGST Act was introduced, allowing regularisation of cases involving short levy or short payment of tax due to established trade practices on 'as is/ where is'. Once implemented, it will offer a mechanism to resolve disputes on controversial sectoral issues. Way Forward for the Current Adjudication System These measures undoubtedly point to Government's intention of addressing the backlog and improve dispute resolution. As next wave of reforms in dispute resolution, the operationalisation of GSTAT will enable faster, specialised resolution of appeals. Further, Government may consider possibility of mandating timelines for passing of appeal orders, to reduce adjudication delays. Awaited procedural guidelines for implementation of Section 11A will promote its use as an effective tool for reducing litigation volumes. Another step worth consideration is the establishment of a National Authority for Advance Ruling (National AAR), to harmonise legal interpretations across states, eliminate conflicting rulings, and reduce disputes caused by inconsistent legal views. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Arbitration To ease the burden on departmental infrastructure, perhaps ADR mechanisms like arbitration may offer complementary path for dispute resolution beyond the existing adjudication process. Incorporating arbitration within GST framework would provide taxpayers and authorities with a mechanism for settling disputes in a faster, cost-effective and flexible manner. While this would not replace current adjudication, its adoption can significantly reduce litigation volumes, expedite resolution, and improve taxpayer satisfaction. The GST framework faces a critical challenge of managing the rising volume of disputes and the growing backlog in the adjudication system. Government initiatives to clarify interpretation, rationalise litigation, relax pre-deposit norms, and introduce measures for dispute regularisation are laudable. Now swift operationalisation of GSTAT, enforcement of binding appellate timelines, establishment of a National AAR will further compliment these initiatives. Further, a broader adoption of arbitration as an ADR mechanism can also aid GST dispute resolution . Fair to say that these reforms will create a more transparent, efficient, and fair dispute resolution structure - key to supporting GST's objectives of simplicity, fairness, and ease of doing business. Saurabh Agarwal and Divya Bhushan are Tax Partners at EY India. Tanmay Chaturvedi, Tax Professional, EY India also contributed to the article.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Godrej Properties buys 40-acre land in Panipat for around Rs 600 crore
Godrej Properties has acquired a licensed land in Panipat for Rs 600 crore, two people aware of the development said. Spread over 40-acre , the land has a potential developable area of 3 million sq ft. People aware of the development said the company is expected to do plotted development. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Crossout: New Apocalyptic MMO Crossout Play Now Undo CBRE was the transaction advisor but couldn't be reached for comment. Godrej Properties did not respond to email query. Live Events Tier II cities have seen renewed interest from developers, corporates, financial institutions and investor community. The cheap availability of land in these cities followed by massive development of connectivity infrastructure and strong demand have led to increased supply of premium and luxury housing from not just incumbent developers but new entrants cashing in on the potential of these cities as growth centres and employment hubs driving the next phase of India growth story. In October 2024, Godrej Properties had emerged as the highest bidder for a luxury group housing plot on Golf Course Road in Gurugram with a revenue potential of Rs 5,500 crore. The acquisition was through an e-auction conducted by the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP). This is the 11th new project the company has acquiredin FY25. In FY24, GPL acquired two prime parcels measuring 5.15 acres and 2.76 acres in the Golf Course Road micro-market from HSVP through auction.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
NIOS Class 10 Result 2025 expected soon at results.nios.ac.in; Here's how to check
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is expected to release the Class 10 Result 2025 soon in June. Once announced, students will be able to access and download their marksheets from the official website — . Since the NIOS Class 12 Result 2025 was declared on June 16, it is anticipated that the Class 10 results will be published shortly after. To view the result, students must enter their enrollment number, date of birth, and the security captcha provided on the result portal. It's advisable to keep the admit card ready for quick access to credentials. Steps to Check NIOS Class 10 Result 2025 Step 1: Visit the official result portal: by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Crossout: New Apocalyptic MMO Crossout Play Now Undo Step 2: Click on the "NIOS 10th Result 2025" link on the homepage. Step 3: Enter your enrollment number and date of birth. Step 4: Submit the details to view your result. Step 5: Download and save your marksheet for future reference. Live Events Details Required to Check the Result To access their results, students must keep the following information handy: Enrollment Number (as mentioned on the admit card) Date of Birth Captcha/Security Code Alternate Ways to Check Your Result Via SMS: Type NIOS10 and send it to 5676750. Example: NIOS10 1234567890 DigiLocker NIOS students can also access their digital marksheets and certificates via the DigiLocker app.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Can resume gap from decades ago affect job chances? HR's bizzare interview question to techie sparks Reddit debate
In today's fast-evolving job market, candidates are often judged not just by their skills and qualifications, but also by the gaps in their résumés. While short career breaks can still raise questions, a recent online debate is shining a spotlight on how far back such scrutiny should go. The controversy began when a job applicant shared that he was asked to explain a gap from nearly 30 years ago during a recent interview — prompting many to ask whether employers are taking due diligence too far. In a recent Reddit post a user shared an unusual interview experience. The post, titled 'Asked me about a gap 30 years ago', described how a 47-year-old candidate applying for a management role in the tech industry was asked to explain a three-year period from the late 1990s—specifically the years following high school. During a team interview with a German company, one of the HR representatives questioned the candidate about what he had done between 1996 and 1999. Taken aback, the applicant replied that if he listed every job he ever had, his résumé would run ten pages long. He then clarified the nature of the work he did during that period but expressed surprise that such an old gap was even brought up. 'I can understand asking about a gap from a year or two ago, but nearly 30 years? What's the relevance?' he asked. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Crossout: New Apocalyptic MMO Crossout Play Now Undo Absurd or Standard Practice? The post prompted strong reactions from the Reddit community. Many users were quick to criticize the line of questioning, calling it outdated and irrelevant. One commenter bluntly stated that the interviewer was out of touch, while others speculated the approach could be tied to strict hiring norms in certain regions. Several pointed out that German companies are often known for rigid HR protocols, which may explain the scrutiny—even if it seems excessive. A few users attempted to rationalize the behavior. One noted that some interviewers ask offbeat questions to test how candidates respond under pressure. Others, however, felt this specific instance went too far. One commenter said that asking someone in their late 40s to account for a gap from when they were barely out of their teens served little real purpose, unless the company was searching for red flags like prison time or serious legal trouble. Concerns About Gaps and Hiring Bias This incident also revived broader concerns about how employment gaps are viewed in the job market. Several Redditors shared similar experiences of being penalized for time taken off work, whether for travel, personal reasons, or simply difficulty finding a job. One user recalled losing an offer because the hiring manager could not accept a one-year break taken for travel, despite clear proof of the trip. Another said they stopped including exact months on their résumé just to avoid such scrutiny over short or outdated gaps. There was also criticism of the assumption that gaps inherently reflect something negative. 'Some people can afford to take time off between jobs. Others struggle to find opportunities. That shouldn't automatically raise doubts,' a commenter wrote. The Bigger Picture While opinions varied, a general consensus emerged that focusing too heavily on decades-old résumé gaps may reflect more about the interviewer than the applicant. Some users argued that companies conducting such rigid assessments risk losing qualified candidates over irrelevant details. Others emphasized that due diligence during hiring should focus on current competencies, relevant experience, and cultural fit, rather than outdated assumptions about linear career paths.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Airtel Digital TV removing Zee channels from base packs over price hike
Mumbai: Bharti Airtel-owned direct-to-home (DTH) company Airtel Digital TV said it is removing Zee Entertainment channels from its bouquets due to a recent price hike by the broadcaster, mirroring an ongoing dispute between Sony Pictures Networks India and Tata Play . The DTH company will adjust pack prices to account for the removal of Zee channels and place the broadcaster's offerings on an a la carte basis, requiring subscribers to opt for Zee channels separately. 'Due to recent changes in broadcaster tariffs, Zee Network channels will no longer be part of the Airtel DTH base packs. These pack prices will be adjusted accordingly,' an Airtel spokesperson said. 'All Zee network channels are available on Airtel DTH and can be added individually to the list of subscribed channels at their respective MRPs via channel selection options." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Crossout: New Apocalyptic MMO Crossout Play Now Undo In January, Zee and Sony Pictures Networks India raised the price of their base bouquets by over 10%. Broadcaster JioStar implemented the steepest hike, increasing the price of its base bouquet by 18% to ₹110. While Zee and Airtel Digital TV have not disclosed the financial terms of their deal, the DTH company is estimated to pay ₹300–400 crore annually in subscription fees to the broadcaster. Live Events Sources familiar with the matter said Airtel Digital TV is resisting the price hike by Zee, as the company and other DTH operators aim to control costs and return to profitability. A Zee Entertainment executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the broadcaster has no dispute with the DTH company, as the two had signed a reference interconnect offer (RIO) agreement specifying the terms and conditions for interconnection earlier this year. 'I don't understand what the dispute is, because Airtel Digital TV has signed a RIO agreement with us and also implemented the price hike to its subscribers. We are waiting for them to send us the subscriber reports, providing the number of subscribers who are taking our channels and bouquets, and we will bill them accordingly,' the executive added. 'Distribution platforms have to reallocate content spends to reflect the new market dynamics — particularly in the wake of the creation of broadcasting giant JioStar, which has extracted its pound of flesh from the market,' a veteran TV distribution executive said, adding that with overall average revenue per user (ARPU) stagnating, distributors are now compelled to reallocate budgets based on each network's strength. JioStar currently has 34% of the TV viewership market, while Zee holds 17% and Sony Pictures Networks accounts for less than 10%. Recently, Sony Pictures Networks, a Sony Group Corp-owned entity operating under the legal name Culver Max Entertainment, approached the Bombay High Court to challenge a Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal order, which had restrained it from proceeding with a disconnection notice issued to Tata Play. While staying the disconnection notice, TDSAT had also directed Tata Play to pay ₹40 crore to the broadcaster within two weeks, as part-payment against its claimed dues of ₹128 crore. The tribunal stated that this amount would be adjusted against the liability to be determined during the final hearing. A recent report by EY and the All India Digital Cable Federation said India's pay-TV subscriber base dropped from 151 million in 2018 to 111 million in 2024 — a loss of 40 million subscribers. The report also projected a further decline, with pay-TV households expected to fall to between 71 and 81 million by 2030. The decline has been attributed to rising channel costs, increased competition from over-the-top platforms and the growing popularity of free, unregulated services such as DD Free Dish.
