J-K gov summons legislature for special session on GST

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra today summoned the state legislature for a special session on June 17 to discuss the draft GST legislation approved by the state government.
Yesterday, the state government had approved the draft legislation and expressed its desire to hold a special assembly session to discuss the specific issue of extension of GST to the state.
While the GST bill passed by the Parliament is not applicable to Jammu and Kashmir in its present form, the state has brought a modified version of the legislation that would neither infringe upon the its special status under Article 370 of the constitution, nor compromise the special taxation powers enjoyed by it, Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu had said.

"While all other states draw their power to tax under Article 246 of Constitution of India, we draw our powers from section 5 of Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir. There is no amendment required in Constitution of J&K. Neither it infringes upon Article 370, nor the powers to impose tax under section 5 of J&K constitution is compromised," he said.
Meanwhile, Speaker Kavinder Gupta today visited the assembly complex to take stock of the arrangements in connection with the forthcomingspecial session.
He was accompanied by Deputy Speaker Nazir Gurezi and other officials.
The speaker was informed that all necessary arrangements have been put in place and adequate security staff have been deployed within the premises to facilitate smooth entry of the legislators and mediapersons, a spokesman said.