Rahul Gandhi
Dismissing allegations of single-handedly calling the shots, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said all the decisions related to tax structure have been taken through consensus in the Goods and Service Tax (GST Council, which has representation from state governments, including Congress ones.
Taking a dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for slamming the GST, Modi asked if the grand old party was abusing their own leaders and governments.
In an interview to ANI, Modi emphasised that GST is a new system that is bringing about a "big transformation" and is driven technologically.
Refusing to comment on Rahul Gandhi's "Gabbar Singh Tax" and "Grand Stupid Thought" remark, the prime minister said "jiski jaisi soch, waise uske shabd (the way someone thinks, the same are his words)."
Narendra Modi said that his government is planning to bring construction related material in the 5 per cent Goods and Service Tax (GST) slab.
"So some small traders have faced inconvenience. We acknowledge this. But the government's responsibility is to be sensitive to their concerns. So, whatever comes to our notice, are referred to the GST Council. We decide collectively how to simplify (GST)," he said.
Talking about providing relief to traders, Modi said the central government wanted the tax liability slab to be raised from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 75 lakh but could not do this in the last GST Council meeting as some states had reservations.
So, the issue has been sent to a Committee which has been formed by the GST Council.
"Once the Committee reaches a decision, it will benefit a number of people," he said.
Similarly, Modi said, his government wanted to bring material used for under construction and fully constructed houses in catch all 5 per cent slab, like has been done in for restaurants.
"But there were reservations by some. So GST Council could not do it. It has now gone to the Committee. We will try to ensure that the committee report is expedited," he added.
"So, continuously, we have been trying to make GST easy and ensure that interests of the consumers are safeguarded. In such a short time, in such a big nation, whatever has been achieved is not small... There is scope for improvement. We will continue to make changes," Modi said.
He said that over the last few days, tax rates of 1200-1250 items of daily use have been brought down, some to 18 per cent, some to 12 per cent, some to 5 per cent and in some cases even to zero per cent.
He said zero tax is being levied on 500 items, which at one time incurred high taxes.
"We keep doing because we take feedback. We believe in discourse," the Prime Minister said.
Before GST, the tax rates in the country were as high as 30-40 per cent with some hidden taxes and double taxes, he said, adding GST has simplified all this.
When referred to criticism of the GST by Gandhi, Modi asked whether GST processes have not been implemented through consensus with all political parties in the country.
Since Pranab Mukherjee was the Finance Minister, the GST process has been going on, he pointed out.
"In Parliament, the (GST) Bill was passed unanimously," he said, adding decisions are taken in GST Council where all governments and UTs along with the Centre are represented.
"All have equal position in the GST Council. Puducherry and Government of India are both equal," he said.
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