THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, MARCH 25, 2026

The Nabakrushna Choudhury Centre for Development Studies (NCDS), Bhubaneswar, on Wednesday hosted a national seminar titled “Socio-Economic Impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST): Consumption Patterns and Influence on Middle Class and Neo-Middle Class,” bringing together policymakers, economists, and academicians to deliberate on the evolving influence of GST on India’s socio-economic landscape. The seminar underscored the growing importance of analysing tax reforms not merely from a revenue standpoint but through the broader lens of their impact on household behaviour, consumption patterns, and economic resilience.

Held at the institute’s premises, the event reaffirmed NCDS’s role as a key platform for development research and policy dialogue.

The inaugural session was graced by Yamini Sarangi, Commissioner of CT&GST, Odisha, as Chief Guest; Prof. Sudhakar Patra, RBI Chair Professor at Utkal University, as Guest of Honour; and Dr. Satya Priya Rath, Additional Secretary, Finance Department, Government of Odisha, as Special Guest.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Prakash Chandra Mohanty, Director, NCDS, who highlighted the importance of examining tax reforms beyond revenue metrics to understand their wider social and economic implications. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Rashmi Kabi, Secretary, NCDS.

The seminar featured two technical sessions that provided both academic and administrative perspectives. The first session included the presentation of a research report by NCDS scholars, offering insights into changing consumption patterns under GST. Expert lectures by an RBI Chair Professor and an Associate Professor from IIT Bhubaneswar provided theoretical perspectives on taxation and household economic behaviour, enriching the discourse with analytical depth.

The second session focused on policy implementation and administrative experience. The Joint Commissioner of CT&GST, Odisha, shared practical insights on compliance and its socio-economic implications, while a former NCDS professor reflected on the long-term evolution of GST and its structural impact on the economy. Discussions were marked by active engagement and constructive dialogue among participants, reflecting the relevance of GST in shaping contemporary economic realities.

The valedictory session synthesized key insights on middle-class resilience and the need for inclusive tax policy frameworks. Concluding remarks were delivered by the Secretary, NCDS, followed by felicitation of guests led by the Director.

The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Biswabas Patra, Convenor, and ended on a note encouraging continued academic and policy interaction. Overall, the seminar reinforced NCDS’s commitment to fostering informed policy discourse and advancing research on contemporary economic challenges impacting India’s middle and neo-middle classes.