The Department of Economics and Finance, BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, organized a two-day National Conference on “Catalyst for Viksit Bharat: Assessing the Impact of Next-Generation GST Reforms on MSMEs & Start-up Ecosystem”, sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).  The conference brought together leading academicians, researchers, policymakers, taxation experts and industry representatives to deliberate on the evolving Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework and its implications for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups.  The deliberations focused on how next-generation GST reforms can contribute to building a more efficient, inclusive and growth-oriented economic ecosystem, while strengthening the environment for entrepreneurship and innovation.  Prof. Manogna R. L. was the Convenor of the Conference with Prof. Ch. V. V. S. N. V. Prasad as its Co-Convenor

The Chief Guest, Prof. M. Govinda Rao, Former Director, National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), New Delhi, spoke on “Goods and Services Tax in India: Pathways to Further Reform”, offering insights into the evolution of GST in India and highlighting areas for further reform.

Prof. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani, delivered the Presidential Address and emphasized the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship and appropriate policy frameworks in advancing India’s development aspirations.

Prof. Sebastian Morris, Senior Professor and Chair of the Centre for Public Policy and Governance, Goa Institute of Management, graced the inaugural programme as the Guest of Honour.  Mr. D. S. Prashant, CEO, Startup & IT Promotion Cell, Department of IT, Electronics & Communications, Government of Goa, spoke on “Startups as Catalysts for Viksit Bharat” and Prof. Rudra Sensarma, IIM Kozhikode, delivered a keynote address.

The academic sessions held over the two days witnessed the presentation of more than 20 research studies by scholars from various parts of the country. The studies offered diverse perspectives on GST, MSMEs, start-ups, taxation, entrepreneurship and economic development.

The second day featured a panel discussion on “Next-Generation GST Reforms: Opportunities and Challenges for MSMEs & Start-ups.” The panel brought together experts from academia, industry and taxation, including Prof. Rudra Sensarma; Prof. M. Govinda Rao; Mr. B. S. Pai Angle, Managing Director, EDC Limited; CA Sachhin Shinde, Chartered Accountant – Indirect Tax, Grant Thornton Bharat; CA Darryl Frank, Chartered Accountant; and Prof. Manogna R. L., BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus.  The panel deliberated on the opportunities and challenges arising from the evolving GST regime and examined its implications for MSMEs and start-ups, with discussions highlighting the need for responsive policies, simplified compliance mechanisms and a conducive regulatory environment.

The two-day conference provided a valuable platform for meaningful interaction among academia, government and industry. The deliberations underscored the importance of continued policy dialogue and evidence-based research in shaping GST reforms that support MSMEs and start-ups and contribute to India’s broader vision of Viksit Bharat.