Jaisalmer is set to host the 55th GST Council meeting on December 21, marking the first time the prestigious meeting will be held in the historic desert city. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in Jaisalmer on December 20 to chair the session, which will see participation from Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers, Finance Ministers, and senior officials from multiple states and union territories.
Key Highlights:
- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reached Jaisalmer on December 20.
- The 55th GST Council meeting is scheduled for December 21 at Hotel Marriott.
- Pre-budget consultations for Union Budget 2025-26 were held on December 20.
- Hosting by Rajasthan’s Deputy CM Diya Kumari, with participation from key state officials.
- Tight security with over 2000 personnel deployed across Jaisalmer.
Historic Venue and Preparations
This is the first time Jaisalmer is hosting the GST Council meeting, making it a significant event for Rajasthan. Previously, the 10th GST Council meeting was held in Udaipur in 2017. The choice of Jaisalmer adds a cultural and strategic dimension to the discussions, blending governance with Rajasthan’s rich heritage.
To accommodate the distinguished guests, four major hotels—Marriott, Taj Gorbandh, ITC, and Rang Mahal—have been fully booked. Over 250 guests are expected, with traditional Rajasthani cuisine prepared as part of the hospitality arrangements.
Pre-Budget Discussions for Union Budget 2025-26
A day prior to the council meeting, pre-budget consultations were conducted, focusing on economic policies and financial planning for the upcoming fiscal year. Discussions aimed at aligning state-specific demands with national economic strategies took center stage.
Key participants in the pre-budget dialogue included Chief Ministers from Goa, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya, and Odisha, along with Deputy Chief Ministers from Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana. Senior officials from the Finance Ministry, including secretaries of Economic Affairs and Expenditure Departments, also contributed to the discussions.
Security Measures and Logistics
Given the high-profile nature of the event, security in Jaisalmer has been heightened. A contingent of 2000 security personnel has been deployed to ensure the safety of all attendees. The district administration, in coordination with state authorities, has been actively involved in the preparations.
Importance of the 55th GST Council Meeting
The GST Council meeting is expected to deliberate on tax revisions, sector-specific GST relaxations, and procedural amendments in preparation for the Union Budget 2025-26. With Jaisalmer hosting for the first time, the event underscores Rajasthan’s growing prominence in national policy discussions.
This marks the 55th overall GST Council meeting, with 36 previously held in Delhi and 11 conducted via video conferencing. Apart from Delhi, physical meetings have been hosted in cities like Chandigarh, Lucknow, Goa, Assam, Hyderabad, Udaipur, and Srinagar. Jaisalmer’s inclusion reflects the expanding geographic footprint of the council’s engagements.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
