West Bengal finance minister Amit Mitra today said he was not in the race to head the empowered committee of state finance ministers on Goods and Services Tax (GST). However, West Bengal will help build a consensus among states on the issue, he added.
The top job has been vacant ever since Asim Dasgupa, former finance minister of the state, lost the elections. GST has been a contentious issue among states on crucial issues as several of them are apprehensive of losing fiscal autonomy once it is in place.
Mitra said he will attempt building a consensus among states to roll out GST when the state finance ministers meet next on the subject on July 18.
“I have no ambition of becoming the chairman of the committee. However, West Bengal will work on building a consensus across the states,” Mitra said in response to a question on whether he was open to the idea of heading the panel.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app