INDIAN EXPRESS DATED 14TH JULY 2025

Summary of Important News Items and Editorials-36

INDIAN EXPRESS DATED 14TH JULY 2025.

1.    Why Hurry, Wait for Outcome in SC: Opposition on EC’s Move to Revise Rolls Nationwide

The Opposition has strongly criticised the Election Commission’s (EC) direction to states to initiate a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, calling the move premature and arbitrary. Leaders from the Congress, TMC, CPI(M), CPI, RJD, and Samajwadi Party questioned the urgency of rolling out a nationwide exercise before the Supreme Court concludes hearings on the Bihar SIR case. Concerns were raised about lack of consultation, potential misuse of discretion, and the EC's overreach into citizenship verification, especially with upcoming elections in West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The Supreme Court had advised consideration of Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards for updates and asked EC to respond by July 21. Critics fear the revision may be a covert NRC, disproportionately affecting the poor and vulnerable. Opposition leaders urged transparency, restraint, and strict adherence to the Supreme Court’s directives before further action.

2.    GST Reforms: Home Minister Set to Open Talks for Consensus on Rate Rationalisation

Union  Home  Minister  Amit  Shah  is  set  to  lead  high-level consultations with states and ministries to build consensus on long-pending GST rate rationalisation. A key proposal involves eliminating the 12% slab and redistributing items into 5% and 18% brackets. However, states fear significant revenue loss (₹70,000–80,000 crore annually), making negotiations politically sensitive. Shah’s involvement signals the Centre’s intent to fast-track decisions by leveraging his political heft, especially where Finance Ministry efforts have stalled. While the GST Council had deferred decisions earlier, fresh talks aim to resolve stalemates on inverted duty structures and tax rates on life and health insurance. Some states have demanded lower rates for essential services. Shah's direct involvement mirrors past instances where his leadership influenced major economic decisions like disinvestment and food inflation control. A successful consensus could reduce litigation, improve compliance, and enhance GST's simplicity and fairness—but political hurdles remain substantial.