Congress waiting for concrete response from govt. on GST

The Congress Party today highlighted its concerns to the government with regard to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill during the all-party meeting and voiced to support the landmark legislation only after the ruling dispensation comes up with a concrete response on the same.

Talking to the media after the all-party meeting called ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said the government still has to revert to the grand old party with their response on the three issues outlined with regard to the GST.

"There have been intermittent discussions but intermittent discussions per say are not the only solution until a draft is presented on each of those three issues. Those three issues which have been often repeated are the same. The issue of the one percent cap, which is an additional levy that can be levied by states. The issue of the 18 percent cap on GST and the issue of dispute resolution mechanism. On all these three issues, the ball is fairly and squarely as we have always mentioned in the government's court," said Scindia.

"Discussions have happened with the Congress leaders, but we are still awaiting a concrete response from the government because only then can we express our opinion based on the concrete response that comes from the government," he added.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar on his part said that all political outfits have assured full cooperation to the government.

He said the government has proposed 16 legislative business in the Monsoon Session.

Speaking on the passage of the GST, Kumar said the Centre has spoken with all parties in this regard.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and the Parliamentary Affairs Minister earlier had a meeting with Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma during which they discussed all points to bring the grand old party on board on the GST Bill.

The ongoing unrest in Kashmir Valley, inflation and foreign policy was also discussed in the meeting.

The Monsoon Session of Parliament will have 20 working days and will conclude on the 12th of next month.

A total of 25 bills, including the crucial GST Bill, are expected to come up for consideration and passage during the session.