The GST Network on Saturday decided to make Aadhaar authentication or physical verification mandatory for new dealers from January 2020 to check malpractices in Goods and Services Tax.

Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Sushil Kumar Modi, who heads the Group of Ministers of GST Network made the announcement in Bengaluru.He said those who do not want to give their Aadhaar numbers would have to undergo physical verification.

In the first phase, Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory for new dealers. Afterwards, all those enrolled on GSTN would be asked to provide their Aadhaar numbers.

Sushil Modi said, as refunding is a big issue, the GSTN decided on complete online refunding from September 24 this year from a single source, either by the Central GST or state GST.