Governor Signs GST Amendment Ordinance Amid Dispute with State Government

In the midst of an ongoing dispute with the state government, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has signed the GST Amendment Ordinance, introducing changes to the IGST Act as decided in the GST Council meeting held in July. The ordinance encompasses amendments such as imposing a 28 percent GST on online gambling involving money. Last week, the government had forwarded the ordinance to the Raj Bhavan for the Governor’s approval. With the Governor’s signature, the modifications in the central GST law will be implemented in the state. Concurrently, the Governor is reviewing eight bills, including the Kerala Lokayukta Amendment Bill and the University Amendment Bill.

The signing of the GST Amendment Ordinance by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan adds a new layer to the ongoing dispute between the Governor and the state government. The ordinance’s approval introduces significant changes to the IGST Act, particularly with the imposition of a 28 percent GST on online gambling transactions involving monetary stakes. The move comes amid heightened tensions between the Governor and the government, and the implementation of these changes will likely further fuel the existing discord between the two entities.