Fog, flight delays weighed on minds of state FMs

Concerned that foggy conditions may disrupt flight schedule, some state finance ministers participating today in the GST Council meet left early to fly back home.
The Council meeting, sources said, could have lasted a bit longer had the fear of fog and flight disruptions not promoted some of the state finance ministers to seek early end to the meeting.
"The ministers need to remain present in state capitals for official works. Missing a flight due to fog could disturb their schedules," a minister said after the meeting.
Another minister said the IGST, which was on agenda, requires more time and detailed deliberations and could not have been completed in the time available.

The Council later decided to take up the IGST law, which contains contentious issue of control of tax assessees, at the next meeting on January 3 and 4.
The second day of the meeting today started at 11 AM and lasted till about 4 PM. The GST Council, headed by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, consists of state finance ministers.
Shallow to moderate fog descended on Delhi today and restricted visibility throughout the day, delaying services of nearly 50 trains in the northern region.
At Palam, visibility was reduced to 400 metres both at 5.30 AM and 8.30 AM. It increased to 1,000 metres at 11.30 AM and further to 1,300 metres at 2.30 PM.