New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS): Following the notification of the provisions of the Constitution Amendment Act for setting up of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia on Monday said the government was ahead of the time schedule on the new indirect tax regime.

"So far we are ahead of the time schedule of GST. The main thing to be done is now call as many meeting of GST Council and sort out all issues, so that we can be ready with the draft of the GST Bill," Adhia told reporters.

"As far as administrative requirements are concerned, we are fully geared. We are monitoring IT preparedness of states, we are on track. We are all geared up for the April 1, 2017 deadline," he added.

The GST Council, which will consist of the Finance Minister and representatives from all states and union territories, will have its first meeting on September 22-23 in the national capital. 

Adhia said the state government has the discretion to nominate any one minister to the GST Council. 

Chairman Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) will be a permanent but non-voting invitee to the GST Council and will help the council in taking decisions, he said.

"All discussions on GST will take place in the constitutional body. This is the main body which will take all major decision, including on the GST rate," he said.