India’s ‘sin’ is govt’s bounty: GST cess may deliver Rs 70,000 cr bonanza

The Centre is anticipating a significant surplus of approximately Rs 70,000 crore from GST compensation cess collections, even after repaying loans taken during the Covid-19 period on behalf of states. This unexpected windfall is due to robust collections from sin goods like pan masala, cigarettes, and automobiles. Officials suggest that this surplus could allow for early loan repayments and still leave a substantial amount for other uses.