GST Bill in LS today, Modi to speak

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to speak on the GST Bill when the Lok Sabha takes up the indirect tax reform legislation for discussion and voting on Monday.

All parties, barring the AIADMK, have supported the Constitution (122nd Amendment) or the GST Bill when it was passed by the Rajya Sabha last week with some amendments to accommodate concerns voiced by the Congress.

For the roll out of the goods and services tax regime from the next financial year, at least 16 state Assemblies have to pass the Bill with two-thirds majority by next month-end, thus enabling the Centre to bring out two subsequent legislations spelling out details of the new indirect tax laws.

All key political parties have issued whips to their members to be present in the Lok Sabha on Monday when the Bill is taken up for consideration and passing. NDA floor managers have said that Modi is expected to intervene in the debate on the GST Bill on Monday.

Modi has been accused of skipping the debate on the Constitution amendment bill when it was passed by the Lok Sabha last year and by the Rajya Sabha last week.

“It is perhaps the only Constitution amendment bill which was passed in the absence of the prime minister,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had said.

After facing fierce opposition over the Bill for almost a year, the government succeeded in bringing all major opposition parties, including the Congress, on board and it was passed in the Upper House with an overwhelming majority on last Wednesday.

The Modi government is working overtime to ensure that at least 50% of the state Assemblies pass the Bill within 30 days of Parliament clearing it. Chief Ministers of several states have assured that, if required, they will call a special session for the passage of the Bill.