Explanation: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) system in India is a comprehensive indirect tax system that replaced multiple indirect taxes with a single tax. Under the GST system, there are different types of taxes depending on the nature of the transaction. For intra-state transactions, which occur within the same state, the GST is divided into two components: Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and State Goods and Services Tax (SGST).
CGST is the portion of the GST that is collected by the central government, while SGST is the portion that is collected by the state government. Both CGST and SGST are applicable for transactions that occur within the same state, such as a transaction between a shopkeeper and a customer in Kolkata, West Bengal.
In contrast, for inter-state transactions, which occur between different states, a different type of GST called Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) is applicable. IGST is a single tax that is levied on the supply of goods and services where the place of supply is in a different state. IGST is collected by the central government and is then distributed to the respective state governments based on the destination of the goods or services.
It is important to understand the distinction between intra-state and inter-state transactions to correctly identify the type of GST that is applicable. In the context of West Bengal, when a transaction occurs within the state, the customer pays both CGST and SGST. This dual tax structure ensures that both the central and state governments receive their respective shares of the tax revenue from the transaction.
In summary, for intra-state transactions within West Bengal, the customer pays both CGST and SGST, making option C the correct answer. This dual tax structure is a fundamental aspect of the GST system in India and is crucial for understanding the tax implications of transactions within the state.