GST Council is a constitutional body established by Article 279A of the constitution which was inserted through “The Constitution (One Hundred And First Amendment) Act, 2016.
As per Article 279A (1) of the amended Constitution, the GST Council has to be constituted by the President within 60 days of the commencement of Article 279A.
As per Article 279A of the amended Constitution, the GST Council which will be a joint forum of the Centre and the States, shall consist of the following members: -
Union Finance Minister - Chairperson
The Union Minister of State, in-charge of Revenue of finance - Member
The Minister In-charge of finance or taxation or any other Minister nominated by each State Government - Members
Functions of GST Council
The Council will make recommendations to the Union and the States on important issues related to GST, like the goods and services that may be subjected or exempted from GST, model GST Laws, principles that govern Place of Supply, threshold limits, GST rates including the floor rates with bands, special rates for raising additional resources during natural calamities/disasters, special provisions for certain States, etc.
