Modi hopes for 'breakthrough' on GST

Citing positive response from states and political parties, he said tax reform will be in place soon

"There will be detailed discussion on the Budget and I am sure the level of debate and discussion will be of good quality. It will be focused on the issues pertaining to the welfare of the poor," Modi told the media.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has exuded confidence on the passage of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill in the Budget session of Parliament which resumed on Thursday.

Citing positive response from the states and other political parties, Modi said he hoped the GST, the country's biggest tax reform, would be in place by this session itself.

"We are hopeful of a breakthrough in the GST. One of the reasons for our optimism is that all the states have cooperated in a positive manner. All the political parties have also been extremely positive and cooperative in their response," he added.

"We have been able to move forward in this direction after arriving at a consensus on certain decisions subsequent to detailed discussion on this issue in a democratic manner," the Prime Minister said.

"The efforts are on to enlist the cooperation of all to ensure that the GST is in place by this session," added Modi.