Lok Sabha passes bill to cap age of GSTAT Prez, members; provisionally effect Budget duty changes

The Lok Sabha passed two bills -- The Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill, 2023. The bills, piloted by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, were passed by voice vote after a short debate. The Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023, seeks to cap the age for president and members of the GST appellate tribunals (GSTAT) at 70 years and 67 years respectively. The Provisional Collection of Taxes Bill, 2023, seeks to provisionally effect changes in customs and excise duties announced in the Budget.