'Job scarcity' prevails due to demonetisation, GST: Kejriwal

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said today that a situation of "job scarcity" has arisen in the country as the economy has reached a "sad state" due to demonetisation and GST.
Kejriwal's remarks come a day before opposition parties observe the first anniversary of demonetisation as "Black Day" tomorrow.
Addressing a traders' meet on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) here, the chief minister also demanded that the Centre abolish 28 and 18 per cent tax slabs in the new tax regime and said only the 12 per cent slab should exist on every item.
"A situation of job scarcity has arisen as economy is in a sad state and recession has taken place. Everybody is saying that the two reasons behind this are demonetisation and GST in the last two years," Kejriwal said.

While interacting with traders at 'GST Market Support Committees' organised by the Delhi government, he asked market associations to create WhatsApp groups in their respective areas to share their concerns which would later be raised in the GST Council meeting by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.
"We don't want closure of trades due to the GST in Delhi. I ask you (traders) to approach the government if we can do something for you. The Deputy CM will raise all your issues in GST Council meeting," he also said.

"I ask the central government that there should only be 12 per cent tax slab. Out of 12 per cent, central and states can share six-six per cent on every item," he said.

Alleging complexity in the GST structure, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that the issue of traders should be addressed immediately.
"There is a lot of complexity in GST. If it is not removed, deteriorating situation would arise," Sisodia, who also holds the finance portfolio, said.