SRINAGARThe Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Tuesday began discussions on a resolution moved by the government for implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime without affecting the special status of the state.
However, the assembly had to be adjourned after several legislators turned violent inside the House.
The traders in the state feel the present GST structure would lead to the erosion of the state’s special position and its fiscal autonomy.
Pertinently, all Kashmir-based trade bodies and a civil society groups have come together and formed “Kashmir Coordination Committee” to resist implementation of the new tax regime in the state.
Meanwhile amid pandemonium and noisy scenes, Finance Minister Dr Haseeb Drabu moved the resolution seeking suggestions from the lawmakers on how to implement the 101st amendment of the Constitution of India pertaining to GST in the state with modifications to ensure that the special status under Article 370 of the Constitution is not affected.
This House resolves that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir may give consent to the adoption of the GST regime by application of relevant amendments made to the Constitution of India in a modified manner to safeguard the existing special constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir in the Union of India and the legislative powers under the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, the resolution moved by Drabu said.
The Resolution was seconded by Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and Information, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali.
Highlighting the importance and benefits of the GST, the Finance Minster said that the new tax regime has been rolled out in the entire country except Jammu and Kashmir, which has the special status in view of its own Constitution. He said it is in the interest of J&K to shift to the new tax regime to protect the interests of the State and all stakeholders.
Seeking support of the House, Drabu said the State Government has brought the issue of extending GST to J&K to the Legislature with the sincerity of purpose. “The issues of constitutionalism should be debated by lawmakers and settled in this house. This should form the basis of our democracy,” he said.
The Finance Minister said the new tax regime is being debated across the country since 2002 and J&K Government is only becoming part of a process in which the Opposition National Conference also participated when the party was in power.
“Jammu and Kashmir has a special place in the Constitution of India, and there is a set procedure for extending Constitutional Amendments to the State. Our intention is to have thorough debate on the draft legislation to clear all aspects related to it. It is not just the Cabinet which can take decisions, but legislature has a very important role in it,” he said.
Drabu said the State Government called an All-Party Meeting which was followed by three meetings of All Party Consultative Group on GST to evolve a broader consensus on implementing GST in J&K.
“We are sincere and don’t have any devious plans. But not all wisdom rests with the Government and there are other eminent lawmakers in this House who can contribute tremendously on this important law. We want to listen to all viewpoints and take a sense of this House. The Government believes that every legislator has equal right to present their view points and make valuable suggestions. We will try to allay all fears that may emerge in this House, which is the most empowered legislature in the country,”Drabu asserted.
Akhtar moves GST Resolution in LC
Minister for R&B, Naeem Akhtar on behalf of Minister for Finance, Labour and Employment today moved in the Legislative Council the Resolution for adoption of the GST regime by application of relevant amendments made to the Constitution of India in a modified manner to safeguard the existing special constitutional position of J&K and the legislative powers under the constitution of J&K.
The resolution was seconded by legislator Vikramaditya Singh.
While initiating the debate on proposed resolution, Legislator, Firdous Ahmad Tak highlighted the benefits of extending the GST regime to the State. He said the economy of the State would receive the necessary impetus by coming under GST regime. He said the implementation of the GST in the State is a biggest step in the tax reform.
Legislator Girdari Lal Raina also took part in the discussion, welcoming the adoption of GST across the State. He said the implementation will boost the economy and benefit the masses at large. He said that the uniform tax system would bring relief to the people and government would be able to deliver with more accuracy