It’s Our Collective Effort: PM Modi at the Midnight Launch of GST

Comparing GST to Gita, Modi said that like GST has had 18 council meetings, like the Gita has 18 chapters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the special ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament for the launch of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

(Photo: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation before the nationwide rollout of GST at midnight on Friday.

This is not the initiative of a single party or a government. It’s a collective effort. The best brains of the country worked on it and the GST is the product of their handiwork. When the Constitution was written, it had ensured equality for all. Today, GST in a manner of speaking, is economically bringing all states at par. GST is cooperative federalism.

Narendra Modi

Comparing GST to the Gita, PM Modi said that like GST has had 18 council meetings, like the Gita has 18 chapters. GST is a system which is easy, and will seek to stop black money and corruption, the prime minister said. GST is important for the welfare of the needy, he added. PM Modi also said that GST stands for “Good and Simple Tax” for its simple taxation system.