The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), operating under the Union ministry of education, is calling for proposals from Indian academics, researchers, and scholars. The goal is to organize seminars, conferences, and conclaves that will foster insightful academic discussions on the impacts of the new generation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms on India’s economic and social fabric.
ICSSR will be accepting proposals from November 1 to December 1. An expert panel will then evaluate these submissions. The council intends to fund approximately 100 proposals, providing financial support of up to ₹8 lakh for each approved event, which are scheduled to take place from January 2026 onwards.
This initiative follows closely on the heels of the updated GST reforms, which were implemented on September 22. The revised system has streamlined tax rates for nearly 375 items, affecting everything from everyday necessities like toothpaste to consumer electronics such as televisions. The new structure features a simplified two-tier system of 5% and 18%, along with a special 40% rate for ultra-luxury goods, replacing the previous four-tier system (5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% plus compensation cess for luxury and sin goods).
Organizers can include a variety of formats such as research presentations, academic discussions, workshops, roundtables, panel discussions, and public dialogues to explore and share insights on the “structural impact and transformative potential of GST reforms.”
According to the ICSSR’s concept note for this initiative, these GST reforms are anticipated to stimulate consumer spending, encourage technological advancements, and facilitate policy adjustments for a more user-friendly GST system, thereby bolstering economic resilience. The reformed GST regime is also expected to align with the objectives of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission by strengthening India’s self-reliant economic framework through a progressive and growth-oriented tax policy, contributing to the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary of ICSSR, highlighted that it is the council’s responsibility to create platforms for informed discussions on government reforms. “In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, we aim to engage the country’s youth in debates on social, political, and economic reforms. ICSSR will also compile policy briefs, discussion papers, and outcomes from these events for broader dissemination,” Singh told HT.
He added that successful proposals will receive grants of up to ₹8 lakh per seminar or conference, adhering to ICSSR guidelines. While there’s no limit on the number of events that can be proposed, the seminar committee will assess submissions based on their relevance, applicability, and expected outcomes. “We anticipate approving around 100 proposals for events on GST reforms and their impact,” he stated.
Experts have responded positively to the ICSSR’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of involving students in these events.
Manoj Mishra, Partner and Tax Controversy Management Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, commented that this initiative will significantly enhance public understanding of GST reforms. “These discussions will also equip students and young professionals with essential knowledge about GST’s functioning and its broader implications. A foundational understanding of GST laws will empower them in any professional setting, whether they become engineers or entrepreneurs,” he noted.
Ashwini Chhatre, Associate Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad, believes the ICSSR’s initiative will truly benefit society if it actively includes students and generates valuable knowledge. “It’s crucial for these events to involve students as participants, audience members, or research assistants to ensure the knowledge effectively reaches the next generation. Post-event, ICSSR should facilitate the dissemination of policy briefs or working papers for wider learning,” Chhatre stressed.
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