Question : Awareness of GST among Chemists

(a) whether a majority of chemists and stockists across the country are not clear about Goods and Services Tax (GST) and are yet to initiate implementation process and if so, the details thereof
(b) whether this is likely to create drugs shortages for certain therapies and if so, the steps taken to ensure smooth supplies of drugs; and (c) if not, the steps taken by the Government against those errant establishments?
(c) whether the suppliers who are not clear about GST aspects and have yet not initiated implementation process have been caught and punished and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE
(SHRI SHIV PRATAP SHUKLA)
(a) No Sir. A massive awareness campaign has been conducted by the Government by regularly issuing advertisements in the media (Print/Voice/Visual) to educate the taxpayers about GST laws and procedures. Further, CBEC has conducted various workshops and town hall meetings to educate the taxpayers in this regard. In addition to this, social media (Twitter) has also been extensively used for disseminating information regarding GST laws, rules and tax rates. FAQs on various topics have been issued and printed in all the major daily newspapers by the Government to spread awareness about the GST laws, procedures and tax rates. It cannot be stated so as of now since GST is a revolutionary change affecting all sectors of the economy and different stakeholders in all selling points.
(b) No Sir.
(c) No Sir. As GST is a transformational shift from the earlier regime, the Government is educating taxpayers regarding compliances required under GST. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has conducted various meetings with the stakeholders including the Chemist associations and manufacturer associations on GST to disseminate information and also opened helpline number 1800111255 for GST implementation.