The GST Saga: A Crash Course in Chaos

VAT to GST: Adapting to the New Normal

So, the government finally jumped into the GST business after 17 years of dithering. But, unsurprisingly, that amount of time wasn't enough to plan the implementation properly. For most of us in business, it felt like falling into an abyss with a glimmer of hope that the crash landing would be smooth and things would eventually get better.

Well, guess what? They didn't. Nothing else explains the situation we're in today.

In my small town of Belgaum, there was practically no government machinery to help businesses navigate this new terrain. Not even a help desk in a government office! It was like they dropped the GST bomb and then went on vacation.

People in the supply chain, from suppliers to manufacturers, were living in 'la-la land' when it came to preparedness. On the bright morning of GST implementation, manufacturers were clueless about the HSN codes mapped to their products.

And then there was my software guy. He threw up his hands and asked me to fend for myself until he could wrap his head around the GST requirements for his software. So, I found myself going ten steps backward to the good old days of writing out bills by hand.

Mr. Jaitley, our super erudite finance minister, here's a toast to your bold venture. It's been a wild ride, and here's my take on it.

A Journey of Hope and Hiccups

The idea behind GST was revolutionary. A single tax to replace the tangled web of multiple taxes seemed like a dream come true. But as with any dream, waking up was the hard part.

The Belgaum Blues

In Belgaum, a town known for its entrepreneurial spirit, the GST rollout was nothing short of chaotic. Businesses were left in the lurch with no guidance. The local government offices, which should have been bustling with activity, were silent. No workshops, no informational pamphlets, not even a token help desk. It was like the government had handed us a puzzle without any pieces.

The Supply Chain Shuffle

Suppliers and manufacturers were equally lost. The concept of HSN codes was as alien as interstellar travel. They had no clue what codes to use for their products, leading to confusion and delays. The once smooth supply chain turned into a tangled mess.

Tech Troubles

My tech guy, usually the savior in times of digital distress, was stumped. His usual confidence was replaced by uncertainty as he struggled to update the billing software to comply with GST norms. His advice? "Go old school." And so, I found myself scribbling bills by hand, a throwback to a time I thought was long gone.

Raising a Toast to Resilience

Despite the chaos, there's something to be said about the resilience of the Indian business community. We grumbled, we stumbled, but we didn't crumble. GST may have thrown us into the deep end, but we're learning to swim, one stroke at a time.

So, here's to you, Mr. Jaitley. Your bold venture has been a rollercoaster of a ride. We're still holding on, hoping for smoother tracks ahead. Cheers!