RS panel to adopt GST report on Mon; Cong,left to give dissent

Congress and left parties are likely to file dissent notes on the report of Rajya Sabha Select Committee on GST as the panel gears up to endorse the majority provisions of the bill on Monday.
According to sources, the panel met today and completed the consultation process. A clause-by-clause discussion took place on the Constitution Amendment Bill to roll out the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
A draft of the report would be circulated to the members shortly, sources said, adding that the panel will meet on July 20 to "consider and adopt the draft report on the Bill".
As per the schedule, the report is to be submitted to the Rajya Sabha by July 24, within days of commencement of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Congress and left parties are preparing dissent notes, sources added.
The main opposition party in the Upper House is preparing a dissent note saying it cannot support a bill which is not "simple and comprehensive".

While Congress is in favour of the proposed indirect tax regime, it wants a ceiling of 18 per cent on the GST tax rate. It is also against the power to states to levy 1 per cent additional tax as it would have a cascading effect and cause market disruptions.
GST bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha and was referred to the Select Committee by the Rajya Sabha, where the ruling NDA government does not enjoy majority. The government aims to roll out GST from April 1, 2016.

Sources also said Congress wants the Centre's representation in the GST Council, which will oversee the implementation of the new tax regime, should be reduced and states voice should be increased to three-fourth.