The Assemblies of Rajasthan and Puducherry on Friday ratified the Goods and Services Tax Constitution Amendment Bill, bringing the total count of states to do so to 18, PTI reported. However, Opposition parties of both states staged massive protests against the move to grant the Bill formal consent.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje said the new tax regime will boost the state’s economy. She said, "This will give a fillip to investment and development and generate more employment opportunities. This will also help bring down inflation and increase exports." The Opposition in the state, led by Congress, did not participate in the hour-long discussion as it continued to protest against the deaths of cows in Rajasthan, reported The Tribune. The House was adjourned thrice because of the chaos, and six legislators were forced out of the Assembly later.
In Puducherry, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said the tax will not affect the Union Territory negatively, and the government will retain its right to impose taxes. He said, "We have taken care that the GST Bill does not inflict any hardship on Puducherry." The Bill was ratified while four members of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam walked out of the House. Eight legislators of the All India NR Congress were absent from discussions as they had boycotted the House.
The GST Bill seeks to bring in a single tax rate to replace the complicated rules implemented in India currently, which include Central excise duty, service tax, additional customs duties, value added tax, entertainment tax and so on. It will replace 17 indirect tax levies. The Bill was cleared by both houses of Parliament on August 3.
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