Union Budget: The hidden cost of GST 2.0 - India faces potential tax shock as compensation cess ends

India has shown rare fiscal maturity in 2025 by successfully concluding GST 2.0 and retiring the compensation cess—gains that now need to be protected. An abrupt excise shock on demerit goods risks reversing this progress by fuelling illicit trade.

Union Budget: The hidden cost of GST 2.0 - India faces potential tax shock as compensation cess ends
India has shown rare fiscal maturity in 2025 by successfully concluding GST 2.0 and retiring the compensation cess—gains that now need to be protected. An abrupt excise shock on demerit goods risks reversing this progress by fuelling illicit trade.