GST compensation cess collection lower than states' shortfall in December

 The shortfall in states’ revenue collection last month under the goods and services tax (GST) was higher than the compensation revenue collected by way of cess, a worrisome trend that was discussed by the GST Council on Thursday. The cess collected in December was Rs 78.5 billion, as against the shortfall of Rs 88.9 billion, “a grim situation,” said a senior official. “Hopefully, using the e…