GST will strengthen economy: Y Sujana Choudhary

Visakhapatnam: Union Minister of State for Science Technology and Earth Sciences Y Sujana Choudhary said that the Goods and Services Tax rollout has ushered in the true spirit of federalism and democracy in the country.

It was made possible only because it brought about a consensus and unanimity among the state governments headed by different political parties.

Addressing a gathering at a massive awareness programme on GST in the city on Friday, the Union Minister said the GST was prepared after studying from the experiences of other countries and even in future too, the GST Council would be addressing issues raised by the taxpayers.

Traders, dealers, industrialists, the Andhra Pradesh Confederation of Indian Industry (APCII), Chambers of Commerce and industry members of state and Vizag, MSMEs, Income Tax Department staff, chartered accountants and many other players of the market participated in the event.

Continuing his speech, Choudhary said that fear of the unknown among various stakeholders of GST will be put to rest over the implementation of new tax. All the confusion would be cleared if they are brought to the notice of government officials and public representatives.”

Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu assured that the traders would not be harassed over lapses in the implementation of the GST policy.

“The idea of new tax regime - one tax, one nation - is to promote free trade and ease of doing business. There will be some teething problems, but taxpayers must understand that this reform gives short-term pains and long-term gains for the people and the country,” he said adding that there he was expecting growth of revenue and 1.5 % to 2 % GDP rise with GST rollout.

Taking strong exception to the charge that the GST would weaken the Indian federal structure, he said both the State and Central governments have surrendered their power to the GST Council comprising public representatives of state governments in the country.

The Council has been responsible for taking decisions by addressing the concerns of all industry players, he noted.
There would be initial hiccups in new tax system, but in two to six months everything would be sorted out, said MP K Haribabu.

Commissioner of Central Excise, Customs and Service Tax, B Hareram said 115 GST Seva Kendras have been set up to clarify the doubts and do the needful to everyone.

HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Roads and Buildings Minister Ch Ayyanna Pathrudu, several MLAs and various department officials participated.