Chhattisgarh Assembly passes GST Bill

The Chhattisgarh Assembly on Friday passed the Goods and Service Tax (GST) Bill.

Expressing his happiness, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh asserted that the people of the nation are getting associated with this, which will bring positive hope for the state.

"It is a historic day for Chhattisgarh Assembly as the GST bill has finally been passed with majority. It is good that people of the nation are getting associated with this and this brings hope for the state. I am thankful towards the State and Central Government as they have also contributed in this passing of bill," said Singh.

Earlier in the week, President Pranab Mukherjee gave his nod to four supporting legislations related to Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill.

The Rajya Sabha passed four GST Bills without amendments setting the stage for the government for the launch on July 1.

Just before the bills were voted on after an eight-hour debate in the Upper House, former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh intervened and asked his party not to seek changes in them to 'maintain consensus and federal agreement.'

Replying to the debate, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that GST would not lead to inflation.

He said once the new tax regime was implemented, the harassment that businesses face having to deal with multiple authorities would end and added that India would have one rate for one commodity throughout the country.

The four bills passed on April 6 - the Central GST bill, the Integrated GST bill, the Union Territories GST bill and the compensation law - have already been cleared by the Lok Sabha, where the government enjoys majority.

Now, a state GST Bill will be presented in the state assemblies for their approval.

The GST rates will be discussed by the powerful GST Council on May 18-19.