The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly today unanimously passed a resolution ratifying the proposed Constitution amendment bill which paves way for the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) across the country.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu moved the resolution which stated that "this House ratifies the amendment to the Constitution of India falling within the purview of clauses (b) and (c) of the proviso to clause (2) of Article 368, proposed to be made by the Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, 2014, as passed by both the Houses of Parliament".
The House, however, witnessed unruly scenes as members of the lone opposition, YSR Congress, climbed onto the Speaker's podium and surrounded his chair, holding placards and raising slogans demanding that the Centre grant special category status to the state.
Amid the din, no further discussion could be taken up on GST and Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao announced that the resolution was adopted unanimously.
The Chief Minister said GST would strengthen the Indian economy in the future.
"GST will prevent double taxation, eliminate indirect taxes and ease the tax burden on the people. It will also lead to reduction in prices," Chandrababu pointed out.
The Value-Added Tax (VAT) system ensured an effective tax regime to an extent, but GST would make it more effective, he said.
Though the states might face some problems initially upon the implementation of GST, the Centre has assured to provide adequate compensation, the Chief Minister said.
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