FM mum on roll-out of GST by April 2010

Says govt is committed to introduce it on schedule

Briefing reporters after inaugurating the meeting with Finance Secretaries & Finance Commissioners of States  he said “We are committed to introduce GST. We are working for its implementation.”

Asked when GST would be implemented he did not make any comment saying “we are working on it.” He indicated a meeting of State Finance Ministers would be convened some time in November to discuss issues relating to GST. He had convened a meeting of the State Finance Ministers on the GST issues on October 27. But the meeting was cancelled at the last minute. He said Asim Dasgupta, Chairman of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers (ECSFM), had been holding talks with various states on wide range of issues relating to the GST. 
 
Discussion paper
Further, Dasgupta has said that the ECSFM would soon release a Discussion Paper on the proposed GST to get reaction from the stake holders like trade, industry and public at large.

As part of exercise to expedite the process of introduction of GST, the ECSFM has constituted a 16-member Working Committee to evolve   framework as well as drafts for constitutional amendment for the purpose of allowing states to levy Service Tax for introducing GST. The Committee is also mandated to prepare draft for model legislation on GST for the Centre and the states.