Former Prime Minister (PM), Mr. Manmohan Singh, yesterday, hailed the passage of Goods and Services Tax (GST) bills by parliament, and sought to lay down the fact that, it could not happen during his tenure, saying, “let bygones be bygones.”
The Minister, however, cautioned, observing that the new indirect tax regime could be a “game changer”, and there could be difficulties in this implementation.
Further, he stated, there should be a constructive spirit. There must be a cooperation between the federal Government and the State Government to resolve these outstanding issues.
Manmohan Singh told reporters, after Parliament approves four GST-supporting legislations, “It will have some pitfalls. But we learn as we go along. The Parliament moved the tax reform closer to its July 1 rollout deadline.
The four bills sailed through the Parliament, without amendments, with the largest party - Congress, voting for the bills, and against changes sought by the Opposition Parties.
Dr Manmohan Singh, when asked if he was disappointed that his Government could not launch GST, the former PM said, “Well I think, let bygones be bygones.”
The Rajya Sabha returned the Central GST bill, the Integrated GST bill, the GST Compensation to States bill, and the Union Territory bill, by a voice note, as there was a general consensus in the House.
However, concerns were elevated, about the sweeping powers of the GST council, GST Network, and the GST rates.
Former Union Minister, Jairam Ramesh said, “the former PM, yesterday advised me not to move the amendment, as it will disturb the fine consensus, that has been arriving in the GST council. And it will send a wrong signal for a new federal framework.”
Ramesh said, “ I am just trying to highlight the difference between the former Prime Minister who is a statesman and the present Prime Minister who is a politician.”
Finance minister Arun Jaitley, after the passage of bills, went up to the Congress benches and shook hands with with Manmohan Singh and other Congress leaders including Ghulam Nabi Azad to thank them.
Deputy Chairman, PJ Kurien, also congratulated all members of the House, for the “excellent debate” on the important legislation.
What will cost more and what will be cheaper for you: All You Need To Know About The GST Bill
By Supraja
