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Tata Projects Limited, In Re

Authority for Advance Rulings, GST
Apr 27, 2018
Smart Summary (Beta)

Summary of the Opinion

Factual and Procedural Background

M/s TPL - SUCG Consortium (the applicant) was awarded a turnkey contract by Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) vide LOA No. JDA/EE-07/2016/D-662 dated 04.03.2016 for the "Rejuvenation of Amanishah Nallah (Dravyavati River), Jaipur (Rajasthan) Including Area Development" and its Operation & Maintenance (O&M) for a period of 10 years. The project scope, as described by the applicant, included course correction and strengthening of the Nallah, interception and treatment of sewage (including laying of pipelines, interception chambers and construction of Sewage Treatment Plants), and preparation of a Master Plan for reclaimed lands (with the actual development of those lands expressly excluded from the contract).

The applicant sought an Advance Ruling on the GST treatment of the services provided under the contract. Specifically, the applicant contended that JDA is a "Government Entity/Authority" (being constituted under the Jaipur Development Authority Act, 1982) and that the works fall under the definition of "original works" and are therefore covered by Sl. No. 3(vi)(a) of Notification No. 11/2017 - Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 as amended, attracting GST at 12% (CGST 6% + SGST 6%).

The matter proceeded to personal hearings on 23.03.2018 and 06.04.2018, during which the applicant produced the contract, relevant notifications, letters from JDA (asserting that the works are "original works" and the JDA is a governmental authority), and billing breakups. The applicant did not produce case law citations during hearings and requested the case to be decided on the basis of the submissions already filed.

Legal Issues Presented

  1. Whether the nature of services under the contract is covered under Sl. No. 3(vi)(a) of Notification No. 11/2017 - Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 as amended (i.e., whether the services constitute "original works" for the purposes of that entry)?
  2. What is the rate of GST applicable for the project (i.e., whether GST @12% applies)?
  3. If the applicable rate of GST is 12%, what is the rate of GST applicable on the subcontractor leg?

Arguments of the Parties

Applicant's Arguments

  • The project awarded by JDA involves course correction/strengthening of the Amanishah Nallah, interception and treatment of sewage (including construction of STPs), and preparation of a Master Plan for reclaimed lands; these works are primarily civil construction and related engineering works.
  • Jaipur Development Authority is a statutory body constituted under the Jaipur Development Authority Act, 1982 (Act No. 25 of 1982), and thus falls within the definition of "Government Entity/Governmental Authority" as per Notification No. 32/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated 13.10.2017 and related definitions.
  • The nature of the works qualifies as "original works" as defined in Notification No. 12/2017-Central Excise (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 (as amended), which includes "all new constructions" and certain types of additions/alterations and erections/commissioning of structures or plant/machinery.
  • Accordingly, the applicant asserted that the services fall under Sl. No. 3(vi)(a) of Notification No. 11/2017 (as amended) and therefore attract GST at 12% (CGST 6% + SGST 6%).
  • The applicant submitted letters from JDA officials (dated 10.10.2017, 08.11.2017 and 13.12.2017) asserting that the project is covered under "original works" and that JDA is a Governmental Authority, supporting the claim of applicability of the said notification and the 12% rate.

Jurisdictional Officer's Comments (as recorded in the opinion)

  • The Jurisdictional Officer stated that the nature of the work is covered under the services listed at Sl. No. 3(vi)(a) of Notification No. 11/2017 (as amended) and that 12% GST is applicable on the contractor as well as on the subcontractor.

Table of Precedents Cited

No precedents were cited in the provided opinion.

Court's Reasoning and Analysis

The ruling proceeds by applying the statutory definitions and the terms of the relevant notifications to the undisputed contractual facts.

1. Definition and Status of Jaipur Development Authority (JDA):

  • The decision refers to the definition of "Governmental Authority" as provided in Notification No. 12/2017 (as amended by Notification No. 32/2017) which covers an authority "set up by an Act of Parliament or a State Legislature" or "established by any Government" with specified participation.
  • JDA is shown to be constituted under the Jaipur Development Authority Act, 1982 (Act No. 25 of 1982), enacted by the Rajasthan State Legislature. The opinion notes JDA's statutory objects, composition (sections cited including Section 4 showing membership composition) and provisions (Sections 90 and 90A cited) that demonstrate state control and statutory functions related to urban development, and specifically that JDA carries out functions entrusted under Article 243G of the Constitution.
  • On this basis, the opinion concludes that JDA falls within the definition of a "Governmental Authority" as envisaged by the notifications.

2. Nature of Services and Applicability of Notification Entry:

  • The opinion examines the scope of the contract — primarily course correction and strengthening of an existing river channel, construction of STPs, laying of pipelines and interception chambers, and preparation of a Master Plan — and treats these as works of civil construction and related engineering activities.
  • It cites the definition of "original works" from Notification No. 12/2017 (which includes "all new constructions", specified additions/alterations, and erection/commissioning of plant, machinery, equipment or structures) and accepts the applicant's submission (supported by JDA letters) that the works qualify as "original works".
  • The opinion then refers to Notification No. 11/2017 (as amended by Notification Nos. 24/2017 and 31/2017) which, in its table at Sl. No. 3, entry (vi) and sub-item (a), applies a concessional rate (specified as Central tax at 6%) on "services provided to the Central Government, State Government, Union Territory, a local authority or a governmental authority by way of construction... of (a) a civil structure or any other original works meant predominantly for use other than for commerce, industry, or any other business or profession." The analysis ties the project's scope and the identity of the employer (JDA) to this entry.
  • Accordingly, the court treats the transaction as falling within Sl. No. 3(vi)(a) and thus within the ambit of the concessional entry (yielding GST @12% when both Central and State components are combined).

3. GST Rate on Subcontractor Leg:

  • For the subcontractor question, the opinion relies on the decision taken in the 25th meeting of the GST Council (held at New Delhi on 18.01.2018) which, as recorded, provided that Works Contract Services (WCS) provided by the subcontractor to the main contractor, when providing WCS to Central/State/Union territory/local authority/Governmental Authority/Government Entity, will attract GST at the rate applicable to the main contractor.
  • The opinion records that this position was incorporated in Notification No. 01/2018 dated 25.01.2018, and applies that conclusion to hold that the same GST rate applies to the subcontractor leg.

4. Administrative Support and Evidence:

  • The opinion notes the applicant's submissions during personal hearings, the inability to produce case law, and the letters from JDA (Additional Director and Executive Engineer) which explicitly stated that the project is "original works" and that JDA is a governmental authority, and treats these as material to the determination.

Holding and Implications

HOLDING: The Advance Ruling concludes that the services provided by M/s TPL - SUCG Consortium to Jaipur Development Authority under the contract (LOA No. JDA/EE-07/2016/D-662 dated 04.03.2016) are covered under Notification No. 11/2017 - Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 as amended by Notification No. 24/2017 dated 21.09.2017 and Notification No. 31/2017 dated 13.10.2017, and that GST at the rate of 12% (i.e., CGST 6% + SGST 6%) is applicable on the services under the said contract.

Implications:

  • The 12% GST rate applies to the services provided under the contract between M/s TPL - SUCG Consortium and JDA.
  • The same 12% rate is applicable to the subcontractor leg under the contract, as per the GST Council decision and Notification No. 01/2018 dated 25.01.2018.
  • No broader judicial precedent or novel legal principle is announced beyond the application of the cited statutory notifications and the GST Council decision to the facts of this contract; the ruling is a determination of the tax treatment for the parties involved.

Ruling (as recorded)

The Services provided by M/s TPL - SUCG Consortium to Jaipur Development Authority under Contract awarded vide LOA No. JDA/EE-07/2016/D-662 dated 04.03.2016 are covered under Notification No. 11/2017 - Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 (as amended by Notification No. 24/2017 dated 21.09.2017 and Notification No. 31/2017 dated 13.10.2017) and GST @12% (CGST 6% + SGST 6%) is applicable on the services provided under the said contract. The same rate is applicable to the sub-contractor leg under the said contract as provided by Notification No. 01/2018 dated 25.01.2018.

Show all summary ...

1.1. M/s TPL - SUCG Consortium (herein after referred as the applicant also) submitted that, Jaipur Development Authority awarded a Contract to them vide their LOA No. JDA/EE-07/2016/D-662 dated: 04.03.2016 for Rejuvenation of Amanishah Nallah (Dravyavati River), Jaipur (Rajasthan) Including Area Development on Turnkey Basis, and its Operation & Maintenance (O&M) for a period of 10 Years.

Under the said Contract, the Major works proposed for the Project are as follows.

a) Course Correctionn/Strengthening of Amanishah Nallah - River rehabilitation includes ground preparations, lining, embankment works, protection & prevention, and development of other peripheral structures, landscaping, etc.

b) Sewerage Interception, treatment and disposal—

Local residents discharge untreated sewage in to the Nallah. This is proposed to be checked by intercepting the sewage from existing drains/sewer lines lyingwithin 0.5 km of the center of the Nallah, providing limited collection main (along the banks of the Nallah only) and putting up the treatment plant as detailed in later sections for treating such intercepted sewage and discharging treated effluent in to the Nallah.

c) Value Creation and Monetization—

It is also proposed to prepare a comprehensive Business Plan along with land use plan and detailed Master Plan of the precious land areas reclaimed from Nallah sections and other existing land parcels in and around the Nallah. Primary objective of this exercise will be to highlight to the government significant value addition for the city in direct monetary terms and other intrinsic benefits that will accrue from the Nallah improvement works. This plan will act as road map for the Employer to use newly developed assets as per the market needs and value creation through Nallah improvement.

1.2 Scope of the works in Contract:

The basic essence of the project is an enhancement of utility of the Dravyavati River (Amanishah Nallah) which is already existing and operating in its present state. The project scope is primarily the course correction and strengthening the channel for better performance. The present structures on the river i.e. the dams, reservoirs are also operational, and cleaning is being done to restore the storage capacities for which they were designed and constructed. In addition, since the river and its existing dams are already operational as the present sewage from the catchment is being collected and carried by the river and the dams are used for water storage and supplying water to irrigation of nearby agricultural lands.

The Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) which are to be constructed as part of the sewage treatment. As mentioned above the project focuses on enhancing the workability of the river and its better performance, hence, the need of having clean water in the river was necessary. This required treating the raw sewage, which is presently being deposited in the river. In line with that, laying of pipelines, construction of interception chambers and construction of STPs are the engineering solutions to have the desired clean water in the river.

Project scope is to prepare a Master Plan of the Reclaimed Lands which will indicate the ways through which the commercial value of the land parcels surrounding the Nallah can be increased. The master plan is only a proposal for the development of the lands surrounded the nallah. The actual development of the lands is not the part of this Contract. In accordance, the contractual requirements a detailed Master Plan of Reclaimed Lands of the project has been prepared submitted by us. This plan will act as value creation through Nallah improvement.

2. They further submitted that, Jaipur Development Authority is a body constituted under Jaipur Development Authority Act, 1982 (Act. 25) as a statutory vehicle to implement the urban development of Jaipur as envisaged by the Department of Urban Development and Housing. Government of Rajasthan.

The major undertaking of JDA includes the following:

• Infrastructural development of Jaipur region by construction of flyovers, bridges parking places.

• Development of commercial projects and residential schemes, etc.

• Development of basic amenities like community centres, parks, ring roads.

• Development and rehabilitation of kacchibastis etc.

• Preparation and implementation of master plan.

• Preparation and implementation of guidelines for colonisation.

• Environmental development by planning and implementing roadside plantations and by developing eco-friendly schemes.

• Development of rural area around Jaipur.

• Development of transport facilities like Mass Rapid

• Transport System (MRTS), Transport Nagar, and major sector roads.

3. The applicant's contention is that the Jaipur Development Authority is covered under the status of Government Entity:

Definition of Government Entity: As per the notification No. 32/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated 13.10.2017, Government Entity means an authority or a board or any other body Including a Society, Trust, Corporation,

(i) Set up by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature

(ii) Established by any Government with 90per cent or more participation by way of equity or control,

to carry out a function entrusted by the Central Government, State Government, Union Territory or a local authority.

Since, Jaipur Development Authority set up by an act of State Legislature vide Act No. 25 of 1982, Received the assent of the President on the 12 day of October, 1982 to carry out functions entrusted by Government of Rajasthan, it is covered under the definition of Government Entity.

4.1. The applicant also submitted that the GST Rate applicable for the nature of works is @ 12% (i.e., CGST-6% + SGST-6%):

As per description of the services mentioned at SI. No. 3(vi)(a) of the notification no. 11/2017 - Central Tax (Rate) dt. 28 June 2017 amended with notification No. 24/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dt. 21.09.2017 and further amended vide notification no. 31/2017 - Central Tax (Rate) dt. 13.10.2017, GST Rate applicable for the following service is @12%.

Composite supply of works contract as defined in clause (119) of section 2 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, provided]6 to the Central Government. State Government, Union Territory, a local authority, a Governmental Authority or a Government Entity by way of construction, erection, commissioning, installation completion, fitting out, repair, maintenance, renovation, or alteration of—

(a) a civil structure or any other original works meant predominantly for use other than for commerce, industry, or any other business or profession;

4.2 The scope of works covered in the project is the following.

Enhancement of utility of the Dravyawati River (Amanishah Nallah) which is already existing and operating in its present state. The project scope is primarily the course correction and strengthening the channel for better performance.

The Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) which are to be constructed as part of the sewage treatment, laying of pipelines, construction of interception chambers and construction of STPs are the engineering solutions to have the desired clean water in the river.

Project scope is to prepare a Master Plan of the Reclaimed Lands which will indicate the ways through which the commercial value of the land parcels surrounding the Nallah can be increased. The master plan is only a proposal for the development of the lands surrounded the nallah. The actual development of the lands is not the part of this Contract.

Since the scope of works covered in the project is primarily in the nature of construction of Civil structures, Sewage treatment and other development works, the project is covered SI. No. 3(vi)(a) of the notification no. 11/2017 - Central Tax (Rate) dt. 28 June 2017 amended with notification No. 24/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dt 21.09.2017 and further amended vide notification no. 31/2017 - Central Tax (Rate) dt 13.10.2017 and applicable GST Rate for the same is @12%.

5. Applicant's Questions(s) on which Advance Ruling is sought:

(i) The nature of Services whether covered under Sl. No. 3(vi)(a) of notification no. 11/2017 - Central Tax (Rate) dt. 28 June 2017 amended with notification No. 24/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated 21.09.2017 and further amended with notification no. 31/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated 13.10.2017? (ii) What is the Rate of GST applicable for the Project? (iii) If applicable rate of GST @12%, what is the rate of GST applicable on subcontractor leg?

Personal Hearing (PH)

6.1. In the matter personal hearing was given to applicant, Shri Rama Mohan Rao, (Senior Manager, F&A) and Shri Rajesh Tripathi (AGM) appeared as representative of applicant for personal hearing on 23.03.2018. During the PH they have submitted copy of contract agreement and relevant notification along with billing breakup. As they have sought 2 weeks” time to submit relevant case laws on the issue, a next hearing date was given to them.

Further Shri Rajesh Tripathi (AGM) appeared for personal hearing on 06.04.2018. he has shown his inability to produce any case laws or citation regarding “Original Works”. He has requested that the case may be decided on the basis of submission made earlier.

6.2. They have also submitted a copy of letter dated 10.10.17 and 08.11.17 issued by the Additional Director (R & DP), J DA, Jaipur under their letter, address to the Project Director, M/s TPL-SUCG Consortium (copy submitted by the applicant), in which it is submitted that the Rejuvenation of Amanishah Nallah project is covered under the definition of ORIGINAL WORKS and covered under the Notification no. 24/2017-Central tax (rate) dated 21.09.2017. As per the said notification, the work awarded is duly covered under clause (vi) and applicable rate of GST is 12% (CGST 6% + SGST 6%).

As per definitions given under notification No. 12/2017-Central Excise (Rate) dated 28.06.2017

(zs) “original works” means-all new constructions;

(i) all types of additions and alterations to abandoned or damaged structures on land that are required to make them workable;

(ii) erection, commissioning or installation of plant, machinery or equipment or structures, whether prefabricated or otherwise;

6.3. They have also submitted a copy of letter dated 13.12.17 of Executive Engineer (Dravyawati River-1), JDA, Jaipur, addressed to the Project Director, M/s TPL-SUCG Consortium (copy submitted by the applicant) in which it is submitted that the JDA has awarded the turn key contract as per the scope of the work duly defined in the work orders and it is apparently clear that all works area original works and duly covered under the Notification no. 24/2017-Central tax (rate) dated 21.09.2017 and

The Jaipur Development Authority is covered under Governmental Authority as also defined in Notification no. 32/2017-Central tax (Rate) wherein

“Governmental Authority” means an authority or a board or any other body,—

(i) set up by an Act of Parliament or a State Legislature; or

(ii) established by any Government, with 90 per cent, or more participation by way of equity or control, to cany out any function entrusted to a Municipality under article 243W of the Constitution.

Issues to be decided:

7. The issue involved in this case is, whether Jaipur Development Authority is covered under the status of Government Authority/Entity or not? and the nature of Services provided under the contract are covered under Sl. No. 3(vi)(a) of notification no. 11/2017 -Central Tax (Rate) dt. 28 June 2017 amended with notification No. 24/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated 21.09.2017 and further amended with notification no. 31/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated 13.10.2017 or not? What is the GST rate applicable on subcontractor leg?

Findings:

8.1. As per definitions given under notification No. 12/2017-Central Excise (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 as amended vide notification No. 32/2017-Central tax (rate) dated 13.10.2017,

“(zf) “Governmental Authority” means an authority or a board or any other body,—

(i) set up by an Act of Parliament or a State Legislature; or

(ii) established by any Government, with 90 per cent, or more participation by way of equity or control, to carry out any function entrusted to a Municipality under article 243 Wofthe Constitution or to a Panchayat under article 243G of the Constitution.

8.2. Jaipur Development Authority is a body constituted under Jaipur Development Authority Act, 1982(Act.25) as a statutory vehicle to implement the urban development of Jaipur as envisaged by the Department of Urban Development and Housing, Government of Rajasthan and to carry out function entrusted under Article 243G of the Constitution.

8.3 As per notification No. 11/2017-Central Excise (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 as amended vide notification No. 24/2017-Central tax (rate) dated 21.09.2017 and further amended vide notification no. 31/2017 - Central Tax (Rate) dt 13.10.2017, Central tax at the rate of 6% is applicable on the following,

In the said notification, in the Table, as per serial number 3, for item (vi) in column (3) and the entries relating thereto,

“(vi) Services provided to the Central Government, State Government, Union Territory, a local authority or a governmental authorityby way of construction, erection, commissioning, installation, completion, fitting out, repair, maintenance, renovation, or alteration of—

(a) a civil structure or any other original works meant predominantly for use other than for commerce, industry, or any other business or profession;

(b) a structure meant predominantly for use as (i) an educational, (ii) a clinical, or (iii) an art or cultural establishment; or

(c) a residential complex predominantly meant for self-use or the use of their employees or other persons specified in paragraph 3 of the Schedule 111 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017.

8.4 JDA established vide JAIPUR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT, 1982 as an Authority for the purpose of planning, co-ordinating and supervising the proper, orderly and rapid development of the Jaipur Region and of executing plans, projects and schemes for such development enacted by the Rajasthan State Legislature in the Thirty-third Year of the Republic of India.

As per Section 4 of the said Act, the Jaipur Development Authority consist of the following members, namely:—

(i) A Chairman, who shall be the Minister-in-charge of Urban Development of the State of Rajasthan, or a nominee of the Governor during President's Rule;

(ii) a Vice-Chairman, who shall be the State Minister of Urban Development of the State of Rajasthan, or a nominee of the Governor during President's Rule;

(iii) Secretary to the Government, Urban Development and Housing Department;

(iv) Jaipur Development Commissioner (appointed under this Act);

(v) Chairman, Rajasthan Housing Board;

(vi) Chief Engineer, Public Health Engineering Department;

(vii) Chief Engineer, Public Works Department;

(viii) District Collector, Jaipur;

(ix) Chief Engineer, Rajasthan State Electricity Board;

(x) Chairman/Administrator, Municipal Council, Jaipur;

(xi) Zila Pramukh of Zila Parishad, Jaipur District;

(xii) Chief Town Planner, Rajasthan; and

(xiii) Non-official members, not exceeding seven, to be nominated by the State Government];

As per Section 90 of the said Act. Control by State Government.—

(1) The Authority shall exercise its powers and perform its duties under this Act in accordance with the policy framed and the guidelines laid down, from time to time by the State Government for development of the areas in the Jaipur Region.

(2) The Authority shall be bound to comply with such directions which may be issued, from time to time, by the State Government for efficient administration of this Act.

(3) If, in connection with the exercise of the powers and the performance of the duties of the Authority under this Act, any dispute arises between the Authority and the State Government, the matter shall be decided by the State Government and its decision shall be final.

As per Section 90A. Power to transfer.—

The officers and employees of the Authority may, in accordance with the rules made under section 95, be transferred, by the State Government, to any Urban Improvement Trust in the State.

8.5 The Jurisdictional Officer in his/her comments has also stated that nature of work is to be covered under “services” as mentioned in SI. No. 3(IV)(a) of Notification no. 11/2017 -Central Tax (Rate) dt. 28 June 2017 amended with notification No. 24/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated 21.09.2017 and further amended with notification no. 31/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated 13.10.2017 with 12% GST applicable on contractor as well as on subcontractor.

8.6 Therefore, as per the findings in above paras the Jaipur Development Authority is found to be covered under the Government Authority and Services provided by M/s TPL-SUCG Consortium found to be covered under services mentioned at SI. No. 3(vi)(a) of the notification no. 11/2017 - Central Tax (Rate) dt. 28 June 2017 amended with notification No. 24/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated 21.09.2017 and further amended vide notification no. 31/2017- Central Tax (Rate) dated 13.10.2017.

8.7 Regarding the liability of GST on sub-contractor, as per Decisions taken in the 25 meeting of GST Council held at New Delhi on 18.01.2018 Works Contract Services (WCS) provided by the sub-contractor to the main contractor; providing WCS to Central Government, State Government, Union territory, a local authority, a Governmental Authority or a Government Entity; will also attract GST at the rate as applicable to the main contractor.

9. In view of the foregoing, we rule as under:—

RULING

The Services provided by M/s TPL - SUCG Consortium to Jaipur Development Authority under Contract awarded to them vide their LOA No. JDA/EE-07/2016/D-662 dated: 04.03.2016 are covered under Notification no. 11/2017 - Central Tax (Rate) dt. 28 June 2017 (Notification no. F.12(56)FD/Tax/2017-PM-49(S.T.) dt. 29 June 2017), amended with Notification No. 24/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dt. 21 Sept. 2017 (Notification no. F.12(56)FD/Tax/2017-90(S.T.) dt. 21 Sept. 2017) and further amended vide Notification no. 31/2017 - Central Tax (Rate) dt. 13 Oct. 2017 (Notification no. F.12(56)FD/Tax/2017-Pt-111-106(S.T.) dt. 13 Oct. 2017) and GST @12% (i.e. CGST 6% + SGST 6%) is applicable on the services provided under the said contract. This rate is also applicable to the sub-contractor leg under the said contract as inserted in the Notification no. 01/2018 dt. 25 January 2018 (Notification no. F.12(56)FD/Tax/2017-Pt-11-166(S.T.) dt. 25 January 2018).