GST Conclave 2025, inaugurated by Attorney General R. Venkataramani in Kochi, marked the start of the nationwide GST Fortnight.
Kochi: As part of the upcoming 8th GST day celebration on July first 2025, GST Conclave 2025 was held on 16.06.2025 at Taj Vivanta, Marine Drive, Kochi. A GST fortnight is being celebrated all over India with the objective of facilitating and engaging with tax payers from 16th to 30th June 2025. Shri R Venkataramani, Attorney General of India was the chief guest of the conclave. In a momentous gathering of legal luminaries, members of trade associations and business representatives and taxpayers, The Hon’ble Attorney General of India graced the event with his powerful keynote address highlighting the evolving role of GST law in shaping the taxation system in India. In his speech he offered a comparative analysis of taxation frameworks globally, noting how different countries approach tax policy based on their unique, economic, cultural, social, philosophical, political landscapes. He also gave light on how India overcame these challenges and after more than six years of discussion came with a revolutionary idea of GST eliminating the possibilities of complexities in taxation system in India. He also acknowledged the continuing need for legal clarity, better enforcement mechanisms, administrative reforms and how with a futuristic vision and commitment towards this new imagination which is one nation, one tax, one market of India can go beyond the criticisms and hostile comments and reach pivotal position in the taxation systems across the globe. He also mentioned how Liberty and Freedom provided by the democracy in India played an important foot in shaping the innovation of GST. Lastly, he mentioned that it is easy to talk about ease of doing business then really to make it happen.
Guest of Honour, Shri Rajendra Kumar P., Chairman, Indirect Taxes Committee, ICAI, highlighted the importance of simplifying compliance procedures under GST. He underlined ICAI’s consistent role in nation-building and capacity development for both professionals and taxpayers.
A compelling address was delivered by Shri Shailendra Kumar, CEO and Founder Editor of Tax India Online (TIOL), in his session on“GST – Simplifying Taxes: Empowering Citizens”, the theme of the GST Day. He reflected on the evolution of constructive criticism in tax discourse. He provided a nuanced take on implications of tax exemptions, explaining how they may shift the burden across taxpayers.
A compelling address was delivered by Shri Shailendra Kumar, CEO and Founder Editor of Tax India Online (TIOL), in his session on“GST – Simplifying Taxes: Empowering Citizens”, the theme of the GST Day. He reflected on the evolution of constructive criticism in tax discourse. He provided a nuanced take on implications of tax exemptions, explaining how they may shift the burden across taxpayers.
The event was guided by the leadership of Shri S.K. Rahman, Chief Commissioner, Central Tax, Central Excise & Customs, Thiruvananthapuram Zone, whose warm welcome and support helped set the tone for a meaningful day of engagement.
