Unwarranted rush

There is a strong case for postponing the GST roll-out

Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week reviewed India’s preparedness for the roll-out of the goods and services tax, or GST, at a high-level meeting. The statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office after the meeting indicated that it continues to be the government’s opinion that the new tax system can be implemented from July 1, now less than three weeks away. The meeting of the GST Council over the weekend seemed to underline this consensus. However, it is far from certain that this consensus about readiness extends beyond the corridors of power. Banks, tax preparers and industry may not share