India’s ‘sin’ is govt’s bounty: GST cess may deliver Rs 70,000 cr bonanza

A robust goods and services tax (GST) compensation cess may deliver a surprise Rs 70,000 crore bonanza to the Centre even after the repayment of loans taken on behalf of states during the Covid period. The GST compensation cess is levied on so-called sin goods such as pan masala, cigarettes, carbonated beverages and automobiles among others — over and above the peak 28% tax they attract.&nbs…