NEWSALERT: Highlights of FM's speech in Lok Sabha

* Seeks Opposition's help for introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST); Levies on petroleum products account for 34 per cent of states' revenues.

* Constitution amendment Bill must be introduced in this session for GST; this reform alone can help control fluctuation in prices.

* Higher Minimum Support/procurement price to farmers not populis, but to ensure higher production; price situation affected by perpetual shortfall in production in pulses and edible oils.

* Powers vested with states to control prices by checking hoarding; will not pass on the buck to them (states) alone.

* Centre-states need to take concrete steps together to ameliorate people's suffering; revamping PDS is a must.