GST rollout to bring unprecedented reform: Economic Survey

The Goods and Service Tax (GST) bill has the potential to push India's GDP by 1%-2%

Expressing disappointment over delay in the passage of Goods and Service Tax bill, the Economic Survey said Friday the roll out of GST will usher in an "unprecedented reform" in modern global tax history.

"There have also been some disappointments in GST which need to be retrieved going forward," said the Survey tabled by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Parliament.

GST will subsume excise, service tax, VAT and other state levies, will bring in a single-rate indirect tax in the country and is estimated to affect 2-2.5 million excise and service tax payers.

"Accelerated structural reforms at the Centre, the dynamism of competitive federalism, and good economics with good politics could all combine to maintain the fundamental promise that is India," the Survey said.

The government had originally planned to roll out GST from April 1, 2016, but the bill in stuck in the Rajya Sabha as Congress is opposed to three clauses on the bill. The ruling NDA does not enjoy a majority in the Upper House.

The GST has the potential to push India's GDP by 1%-2%.