New Delhi, Aug. 3 : Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D. Raja on Wednesday expressed hope that Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley would address the concerns of all when he tables the Goods and Tax Services (GST) Bill with certain amendments in the Rajya Sabha.
Stating that it is not an objective test for his party, Raja said that Jaitley had earlier admitted that he would give due consideration to the concerns raised by various political parties.
"We will see how the Finance Minister is going to present the bill and the amendments because the Finance Minister has held informal talks with all parties.
Tried to explain, tried to build consensus," Raja told ANI. "Let us see how he is going to present the bill and amendments. Accordingly, we will take a position," he added. The Finance Minister will move four amendments to the Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, meant for the rollout of the GST Bill in the Rajya Sabha, when it is taken up for consideration and passage.
The Business Advisory Committee of the Rajya Sabha has earmarked five hours discussion for the bill, which seeks to introduce a system for uniform taxation across the country.
The Congress yesterday assured full support with regard to the GST Bill and said if the Centre doesn't come up with something new then this tax reform might get its nod.
The Union Cabinet had cleared changes in the Bill earlier on Wednesday dropping one percent additional tax on inter-state sales and providing guarantee to compensate states for any revenue loss in the first five years of rollout.
The government needs the support of two-third members of the Upper House to amend the Constitution to turn the GST into law.
The GST Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha in May last year but is stuck in the Rajya Sabha due to resistance from the opposition.
Source: ANI
