New Delhi: The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), operating under the Union ministry of education, is actively seeking proposals from Indian academicians, researchers, and scholars. The goal is to organize seminars, conferences, and conclaves that will foster in-depth academic discussions on how the latest Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms are shaping India’s economic and social landscape.
ICSSR will be accepting these proposals from November 1 to December 1. An expert panel will then review them. The council intends to support approximately 100 proposals, providing financial assistance of up to ₹8 lakh for each approved event. These seminars, conferences, or conclaves are slated to take place starting January 2026.
This initiative follows closely on the heels of the new GST reforms, which were implemented on September 22. The updated system streamlined tax rates, affecting around 375 items. It now features a two-tier structure of 5% and 18%, along with a special 40% rate for ultra-luxury goods, replacing the previous four-slab system and compensation cess.
Organizers can propose various formats for their events, including research presentations, academic discussions, workshops, round tables, panel discussions, and public dialogues. The aim is to disseminate and deliberate on the “structural impact and transformative potential of GST reforms.”
According to the concept note from ICSSR, these GST reforms are anticipated to stimulate consumer spending, encourage technological advancements, and facilitate policy adjustments for a simpler GST regime. The reforms are also designed to strengthen India’s self-reliant economic framework, aligning with the objectives of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission and the vision for a developed India by 2047.
Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary of ICSSR, emphasized the council’s commitment to providing platforms for informed discussions on governmental reforms. He stated that in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ICSSR aims to involve the nation’s youth in dialogues concerning social, political, and economic reforms. The council will also compile policy briefs and discussion papers from these events for wider dissemination.
Selected event organizers can expect grants of up to ₹8 lakh, adhering to ICSSR guidelines. While there’s no limit on the number of proposals, the seminar committee will assess them based on relevance, applicability, and expected outcomes. ICSSR anticipates approving around 100 proposals for events focused on GST reforms and their impact.
Experts have lauded the ICSSR’s initiative, encouraging the inclusion of students in these events. Manoj Mishra, a partner at Grant Thornton Bharat, believes this will enhance public understanding of GST reforms and provide valuable knowledge for students and young professionals. Ashwini Chhatre, an Associate Professor at ISB Hyderabad, added that the initiative’s success hinges on active student involvement and the generation of tangible knowledge outputs, such as accessible policy briefs and working papers.