‘GST Delayed Due to Debate on Details,’ Says J&K Min Haseeb Drabu
Opposition members have been opposing the new tax regime in its current form and demanded a separate bill.
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Jammu and Kashmir adopted the Goods and Services Tax on Wednesday, one day after the Central government’s deadline.
The resolution moved by state Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu was adopted in the Assembly. It calls for a presidential order to safeguard the special status and exclusive taxation powers of the state.
He said Article 370 of the constitution is not compromised in any way through this presidential order.
After two days of discussions, the resolution was adopted by a voice vote even as the National Conference, the Congress, the CPI(M) and an Independent MLA protested against implementing the new indirect tax regime in the state in its present form.
The opposition had earlier claimed Centre's resolution on GST was an attempt to erode the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. They also argued that ‘surrendering’ the power to collect taxes before the GST Council erodes the state's fiscal autonomy.
Most shops and business establishments were shut across Kashmir on Wednesday due to a strike over alleged high-handedness of the government and the proposed rollout of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the state.
The strike, called by by Jammu and Kashmir Coordination Committee (JKCC), prompted the authorities to impose restrictions in parts of Srinagar, the summer capital.
Most of the shops and other business establishments in Srinagar were closed.
JKCC, which has been opposing proposed introduction of GST in the state in its current form, claims to represent trade, commerce and industrial organisations, besides civil society formations in the valley.
Video Producer: Shorbori Purkayastha
Video Editor: Sandeep Suman
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