Modi rues non passage of GST bill

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday regretted non-passage of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill during parliament's budget session.

Bidding farewell to retiring members of the Rajya Sabha, Modi rued that the key economic bill could not be passed, saying "it would have been good if the bill had been passed during their tenure".

"They have been a part of many important decisions. It would have been even better if two more decisions, which could have benefited the states immensely, had been taken in the presence of these members," Modi said.

"It would have been good if two things were taken up while you were here - one is GST bill. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh would have benefited immensely from GST... Barring a few states, all states would have benefited," he said.

The second bill, he said, was to unlock Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds.

"Had we decided on CAMPA in this session, states would have got Rs.42,000 crore. That would be Rs.2,000 crore to Rs.3,000 crore per state," the prime minister said.

He added that the fund meant for afforestation would have been useful as monsoon is approaching.

Modi said that the monsoon would be over before the bill can be passed in the next session.

"Those who come back, I am sure will get this chance, and an important deed for benefit of your state will take place through your hands," he added.

The prime minister also thanked the members for their contribution. He expressed hope that the experience and knowledge of the retiring members would continue to be beneficial for the nation.

"I thank all the members who in the last six years fulfilled their responsibilities with two governments and benefited us with their knowledge. Both governments have benefited from it. The house plays an important role in expanding our vision," he said.

A total of 53 members are retiring from the Rajya Sabha in June and July.

--IANS

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