New Delhi: Hailing the launch of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a turning point for the Indian economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it “Good and Simple Tax” and termed the new regime “pro-poor”.
Addressing the special midnight session in the Central Hall of Parliament, the PM said drafting of GST laws was perfect example of cooperative federalism as he equated the 18 meetings of the GST Council with the 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita.
Modi said GST eliminates various indirect taxes and brings in a new era of one tax for the entire nation. “GST is not just for new India. It is also for Digital India. It is not just for ease of doing business, but also for economic and social reform,” he said.
Invoking India’s first home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the PM said just like Patel unified India right after Independence by bringing in various princely states together, the GST will pave the way for economic unification of the country.
Quoting freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Modi said, “GST is going to unite India from Leh to Lakshadweep and from Itanagar to Sri Ganganagar.”
Congratulating previous governments, political leaders, economists and bureaucrats who worked on various drafts of GST for over a decade, Modi said the new regime is pro-poor and exemplifies the power of Team India.
“Previous governments have also tried to eliminate poverty and help the poor. The GST will add to those efforts and help spread the tax burden horizontally and take the country forward vertically,” he said. He was also quick to add that the interests of small traders had been taken into account and changes had been brought in to reduce the burden on them.
“There is a lot of disparity in prices for the same products being sold in different states. There was confusion, but now we have put an end to this,” Modi announced.
He said the GST was set to bring an end to bureaucratic grey areas and give all states an equal chance to progress.
Admitting that there were doubts around the new regime, the PM said the rumours were not to be paid heed to. “When you change your specs, it takes a few days to get adjusted to them. In a similar way, there will be certain, small glitches, but they will not be severe,” he added.
Technology, he said, played a huge part in the successful transition to GST, and said he was confident that those who didn’t know the technical aspects would also glide past their handicap. “Even if one does not know the technical matters, he or she can always take help from a Class 10-12 student. He/she will know how to operate software on a computer. Everything is possible,” he explained.
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