EconSurvey
Next phase of GST reforms can focus on e-way bill system
This story was originally published at 15:14 IST on 29 January 2026
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--EconSurvey: Next phase of GST reforms can focus on E-Way bill system
MUMBAI – The next wave of the Goods and Services Tax reforms can focus on reimagining the e-way bill system as a facilitator of smooth logistics rather than only a tool for enforcement and control, in line with the changing needs of businesses and supply chains, according to the Economic Survey for 2025-26 (Apr-Mar), tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Thursday.
The survey said policy design could increasingly rely on trust-based and technology-driven compliance models, such as a "trusted dealer" framework, under which taxpayers with a strong compliance record face minimal physical checks and enjoy greater certainty in the movement of goods. In addition, wider use of e-seals and electronic locking systems, integrated with e-way bills and vehicle-tracking technologies could ensure secure, end-to-end tracking of consignents without routine stoppages on the road, it added.
State governments would be central to this transition by moving towards risk-based, system-generated alerts and limiting discretionary checks. "Together, these reforms would amount to a significant deregulation of the logistics ecosystem, reducing costs and delays for trade while maintaining effective, non-intrusive oversight for tax administration," according to the survey.
The recent GST rate cut is expected to stimulate higher consumption volumes and strengthen compliance, which could offset the impact of rate reductions on revenues. End
Reported by Ashutosh Pati
Edited by Avishek Dutta
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