Stating that Congress Party is committed to the stand taken in 2012-13 State Cabinet on GST, the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) in the all party meeting held in Srinagar today reiterated that adequate safeguards should be incorporated in GST regime as was proposed by the then Cabinet in 2012-13, keeping in view the special Constitutional status given to the State.The Party reiterated the stand taken by previous Govt vide Cabinet decision No.137/21/2012, on 01-08-2012, wherein it was reiterated that after coming into force the Goods & Services Tax regime in the country, the State Legislature will consider the enactment of a legislation in which the State itself would make provisions in tune with the GST regime, applicable to other States and the component of GST would be levied by the State itself under proposed legislation, which would be equivalent the Statutory frame work proposed by the Union of India for all other State.
Adding that the Congress in the all party meeting also deliberated on that State would lay down a mechanism for calculating the component of GST and IGST, which the State shall collect for and on behalf Union of India and pass on same to the Union of India after the deduction of collection charges, as was proposed earlier and subject to the Mechanism envisaged under State Legislation ,besides such a mechanism will be inconformity with the Special Constitutional Status given to the state.The Party blamed the Govt for creating confusion over GST, as it is the State Govt, which has to ensure amendments in the GST as proposed, as the State of J&K is enjoying a unique status in the Country, which has to be preserved.The Congress further said that the Party has placed in the all Part meeting it’s view point now it is for the Coalition Govt of PDP BJP to see how it will ensure the necessary amendments in the GST, so that it is implemented without adding any more confusion to the law.While referring to the appeal made by the Chief Minister to all Parties especially opposition to develop a consensus on GST, the Congress representatives in the meeting demanded that the amendments to the law (GST) should be debated and discussed on the floor of the house, as it is the State Legislature, which has the mandate of the people. (KNS)