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Bhubaneswar, 25/03/2026( Odisha Samachar / Rajat Mohapatra ):The Nabakrushna Choudhury Centre for Development Studies (NCDS), Bhubaneswar, successfully hosted a national seminar today on 25 th March, 2026, titled “Socio-Economic Impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST): Consumption Patterns and Influence on Middle Class and Neo-Middle Class.” The event brought together policymakers, economists, and academicians, reaffirming NCDS’s role as a leading institution in development research and policy dialogue.
Held at the institute’s premises, the seminar provided a platform for critical engagement on GST’s evolving impact, particularly on India’s middle and neo-middle classes.
The inaugural session was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Smt. Yamini Sarangi, IAS, 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, IAS, Additional Secretary, Finance Department, Government of Odisha, as Special Guest.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome address by Shri Prakash Chandra Mohanty, Director, NCDS. He emphasized the importance of examining tax reforms beyond revenue metrics, focusing on their social and economic implications. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Smt. Rashmi Kabi, Secretary, NCDS.
The seminar featured two technical sessions. The first session included a presentation of a research report by NCDS scholars, highlighting changing consumption patterns under GST. Expert lectures by an RBI Chair Professor and an Associate Professor from IIT Bhubaneswar provided theoretical insights into taxation and household economic behaviour.
The second session focused on administrative and policy perspectives. 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. The discussions were marked by active participation and critical engagement.
The valedictory session synthesized key insights on middle-class resilience and inclusive tax policy. Concluding remarks were delivered by the Secretary, NCDS, followed by felicitation of guests led by the Director. The seminar ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Biswabas Patra, Convenor, and concluded with encouraging further interaction among participants. Overall, the seminar reinforced NCDS’s commitment to fostering informed policy discourse and advancing research on contemporary economic issues.
