‘Finally waking up’: Congress demanded a discussion letter on GST 2.0 declared by PM Modi; Emphasizes simplification, security for states. Bharat News
New Delhi: A day after PM Modi announced a plan to roll out the improved GST scheme, the Congress demanded an official discussion letter and debate, while claiming that they have been demanding these changes for 1.5 years.In a statement shared on X, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh insisted on the party’s stand, claiming that GST should really be a good and simple, instead of “development suppress”. “The Indian National Congress very soon demands an official discussion letter on GST 2.0 to have an informed and comprehensive debate on this important and national issue. GST 2.0 should actually be a good and simple tax (GST) in letters, emotion and compliance, not the tax suppressing (GST).Referring to the PM’s announcement on Independence Day, Jairam Ramesh commented, “The PM feels that it has finally woken up” and accepted the need for change to run economic development.He said, “Yesterday, the Prime Minister has finally awakened the fact that the economic development simply will not be intensified until this change and increases personal consumption and private investment,” he said.The Rajya Sabha MP suggested significant reduction in rates and simplification of rate structure to reduce revenue uncertainty for states.“In the last seven years, the increased number of rates and many discounts to the spirit of GST have been alienated. The structure has also provided theft facility. The number of rates should be reduced. The rate should be a huge reduction. GST compensation cess ends on March 31, 2026. It must be extended to offset any revenue uncertainty from rationalization of rate structure, “Jeram Ramesh commented.He also said on the Congress’ stance, saying, “For at least one and a half years, the Indian National Congress has originally converted to GST 2.0. It was an important vow in its manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.”The Congress leader also pointed to the concerns of MSME, which is a major employment generator in the economy. He suggested that beyond procedural changes, thresholds should increase for interstate supply. Additionally, sector-specific issues need to be addressed in areas such as textiles, tourism, exports, handicrafts and agricultural inputs. Ramesh also proposed to encourage states to implement state-level GST for areas such as electricity, alcohol, petroleum and real estate.This Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a significant improvement in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) with the aim of providing relief to consumers and small businesses. Speaking on Independence Day from the Red Fort, PM Modi revealed that these GST amendments would be introduced around Diwali, they would be called a “double Diwali gift” for the nation.PM Modi said, “This Diwali, I am offering you a ‘double Diwali’ gift. There is a big announcement for the people of the country. In the last eight years, we have implemented an important GST reform, which has reduced the burden of nationwide tax. Who will serve as a Diwali gift for the nation.,He further stated that tax rates on essential commodities and daily requirements will be reduced under a simplified structure, which provides significant relief and convenience.
