CAIT ASKED INDUSTRY LEADERS TO MOUNT PRESSURE ON CONGRESS FOR GST

CAIT ASKED INDUSTRY LEADERS TO MOUNT PRESSURE ON CONGRESS FOR GST

PROPOSED JOINT COALITION OF TRADE & INDUSTRY

Vijyender Sharma

SHIMLA----The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has expressed utter dismay over the statement of Industrialist Adi Godrej, CII President Naushad Forbes, FICCI President Harshvardhan Neotia asking the Government to focus on building political consensus for GST implementation. " It would have been much better if Industry leaders ask the Congress and other political parties those opposed to GST, to extend their support to Government in passing legislation in Rajya Sabha"-said CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal.

Mr. Khandelwal said that it is a well known fact that since last two years, the Government has put all efforts in building consensus on the complex issue but adamant attitude of the Congress and not allowing discussion on the GST Bill in Rajya Sabha has proved the biggest impediment in passing the legislation. The Congress never consulted trade and industry about the merits of their demands pertaining to GST. However, the Finance Minister has already agreed to withdraw 1% additional tax on inter-state GST. Therefore, instead of asking the Government, the propriety demands that Industry leaders should exercise pressure on Congress and other political parties opposing GST to come on board to pass such an important tax reform. If at all any issues left, the same can be settled when separate legislation for Central GST & IGST will be presented in Parliament and State GST will be presented in State Assembalies.

Mr. B. C. Bhartia, National President of CAIT suggested that both Trade & Industry Organisation should form a joint coalition to take this issue forward with all political parties and impressing upon them to pave smooth passage for GST Bill in the next session of Parliament so that by next fiscal year, the GST could be implemented in the Country. However, once the bill is passed in Parliament, the concerns of trade & industry could be raised with the Government in order to have a simplified and rationalised GST tax structure in the Country to ensure better self compliance and widening of tax base.

Both Mr. Bhartia and Mr. Khandelwal hoped that Industry leaders will respond in a positive manner in larger interest of trade & industry and nation as well. The CAIT is prepared to go along with Industry bodies.

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**VijyenderSharma*, Press Correspondent Bohan Dehra Road  JAWALAMUKHI-176031, Kangra HP(INDIA)*
 
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