'Traders positive about GST', says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday during his monthly Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) meeting stated that traders across the country are positive about GST but they need hand-holding so that their problems can be resolved.

Prime Minister in PRAGATI meeting interacts with top officials of the states via video conference every month.

According to a PMO statement, Prime Minister in the meeting said- "While traders across the country are positive and are accepting this new taxation arrangement, they need handholding so that their problems can be resolved. He urged the Chief Secretaries to use the district administration in this regard, so that small traders are facilitated to access and adopt the new system".

"He reiterated that small businesses must register with the GST network, to take advantage of business opportunities. He said that the common man and the trader must benefit from this path breaking decision," the statement read.

The statement further asserted that so far the Centre has seen a cumulative review of 190 projects with a total investment of Rs. 8.94 lakh crore.

"Today, in the twenty-second meeting, the Prime Minister reviewed the progress towards handling and resolution of grievances related to the banking sector. The Prime Minister asked the Secretary, Financial Services, to look at ways to increase the use of RuPay debit cards that have been issued to Jan Dhan account holders. The Prime Minister was briefed on the relief that has been received by the Jan Dhan account holders, as part of the insurance provisions that are linked to these accounts," the PMO statement added.

"While many Union Government departments are now using the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), only ten States have so far shown keenness in using it. The Prime Minister said that GeM increases the pace of procurement, and boosts transparency, besides supporting enterprise at the local level. He urged all Chief Secretaries to explore its use to the extent possible, to minimize leakages and delays," the PMO statement also stated.

Progress on the India-Myanmar Friendship Bridge project was also reviewed in the meeting along with discussion over the National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), and the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign) for the Divyang.