Global Experts Discuss Future of GST Reforms at Graphic Era University Conference

Two-day ICSSR-supported conference in Dehradun explores GST reforms, digital governance, fiscal federalism, and inclusive economic growth towards Viksit Bharat 2047.

DEHRADUN (India CSR): Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, successfully hosted a two-day International Conference on “GST Reforms and Their Socio-Economic Impact: Building Inclusive Economic Growth and Digital Excellence” on March 13–14, 2026. Organized by the Graphic Era School of Management in collaboration with the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi, the conference brought together policymakers, economists, academicians, industry experts, and researchers to discuss the evolving landscape of GST reforms, digital governance, fiscal federalism, and inclusive economic development in India. The discussions aligned with the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, highlighting the role of taxation reforms in strengthening India’s economic framework.

The inaugural session commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Ajay Kumar Pandey, Head of the Department, Graphic Era School of Management, who highlighted the importance of academic dialogue on taxation reforms and policy research. The inaugural address was delivered by Dr. Narpinder Singh, Vice Chancellor, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, who emphasized the role of GST as a transformative fiscal reform that has strengthened India’s tax administration, enhanced transparency, and facilitated the creation of a unified national market.

The inaugural session further featured distinguished speakers, including Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India; Dr. Shikhar Pant; Dr. Ritesh Jain; Dr. Sankarshan Basu; Dr. Hiranmoy Roy; and Dr. Rajendra Baikady, who shared their insights on the evolving landscape of GST reforms and fiscal governance in India. During the two-day conference, twelve thematic technical sessions were organized covering themes such as digital GST architecture, fiscal federalism, MSME transformation, consumer behaviour, sectoral impact studies, compliance systems, governance challenges, and emerging tax technologies. Scholars from institutions across India and abroad presented research papers that examined the socio-economic and policy dimensions of the GST reforms.

A major highlight of the second day was the Policy Panel Discussion on “GST Reforms and Digital Governance: Policy Pathways towards Viksit Bharat 2047.” The panel featured Dr. Geeta Khanna, Chairperson, FICCI FLO Uttarakhand; Dr. Arpita Mukherjee, Professor at ICRIER; Ms. Anuveeta Datta Chowdhury, Associate (Legal), Centre for WTO Studies; Dr. Ashulekha Gupta, Professor, Graphic Era University, Dehradun; Vineet Prabha, Assistant Professor, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun; and Smriti Mishra, Reporter and Assistant Producer, CNN News18. The discussion was moderated by Ms. Smriti Mishra, and the panelists deliberated on policy challenges and opportunities related to strengthening GST governance, digital compliance frameworks, and inclusive economic growth.

The valedictory session marked the successful conclusion of the conference and featured addresses by Abhishek Ranjan, Joint Secretary, United Nations Global Compact; Dr. Vineet Kumar Srivastava, Director, Department of Economic and Policy Research; Himanshu Shekhar Mishra, Senior Editor (Political & Current Affairs), NDTV; and Shishir Sinha, Associate Editor, The Hindu Business Line. The speakers shared their perspectives on GST reforms, fiscal federalism, economic governance, and the importance of academic-policy dialogue in shaping future fiscal reforms.

Presenting the conference summary, Dr. Vinay Kandpal, Professor and Conference Convener, highlighted that the conference provided an important platform for dialogue between academia and policymakers and facilitated meaningful discussions on strengthening GST reforms and digital governance in India. The conference was convened by Dr. Vinay Kandpal, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Assistant Professor and Mr. Anurag Nagar. The vote of thanks in the valedictory session was delivered by Dr. Rakesh Kumar, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, speakers, researchers, and participants for contributing to the success of the conference.

(India CSR)