BJP-ruled states oppose Centre''s GST proposals again

New Delhi, Feb 11 (PTI) The Centre''s latest draft onconstitutional amendments to GST implementation has again hitthe political roadblock, with BJP-ruled states voicingopposition, while Congress-led governments supporting theproposals.

In its latest GST (Goods and Services Tax) constitutionamendment draft -- the third of its kind -- the Centre hasproposed to give power to Parliament for constituting the GSTcouncil, a move vehemently opposed by the BJP-ruled states.

"This will destroy our fiscal autonomy, so we do notaccept the constitution amendment bill for GST," MadhyaPradesh Finance Minister Raghavji said, after the stateFinance Ministry meeting today on GST.

The proposed GST has been hanging fire, with all thethree draft proposals been opposed by the BJP-ruled states.

Gujarat Finance Minister Saurabh Patel said, "The newconstitution amendment draft proposed by the Government ofIndia is retrograde in nature and completely against thefiscal federalism."

However, Haryana Finance Minister Ajay Singh Yadav saidthere has been lots of discussion on the issue and now itshould be introduced in the Parliament.

"We had lots of deliberation on GST constitutionamendment. Now, the bill should be introduced in theParliament. We want it to be introduced in the BudgetSession."

The new draft proposed to create a GST Council through anAct of Parliament, instead of presidential order, as proposedin the previous draft.

The GST council would be a recommendatory body and itwould give suggestion to the Union and the states on theindirect tax regime.

The constitution amendment is necessary as a number oftaxes fall in the states'' purview, while some come under theCentre''s ambit. .