QAhmedabad: Amit Shah to Visit Gujarat on 3, 4 July & More

Here is your roundup of the top stories from Ahmedabad.

1. Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Visit Gujarat on 3, 4 July

On his first visit to Gujarat after becoming the Union Home Minister, BJP national president Amit Shah will attend a number of public functions in Ahmedabad on 3 and 4 July.

Discussing details about Shah’s two-day programs, Gujarat BJP president Jitu Vaghani said the minister will arrive at the Ahmedabad airport on 3 July at 2pm. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel and party workers will welcome the BJP chief, Vaghani added.

Shah will then proceed to Ashram Road to inaugurate the newly-built flyover at Income Tax Circle. Later, he will attend a public function at Dinesh Hall in the area, while dedicating a number of public projects, including a community hall, a library, and five talati offices in Gandhinagar.

(Source: The Indian Express)

2. Plea by Gujarat Govt: CAT Allows Review of Interim Relief Granted to Rajnish Rai

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Monday temporarily revoked a 7 March order that granted interim relief to IPS officer Rajnish Rai in an ongoing petition where he challenged the Central government’s decision to disallow him from retiring from the services in November 2018, following a review application filed by the Gujarat government.

The review was granted by the CAT single judge bench after it came to light that the order was passed without hearing all parties involved. It was also concluded that a single judge can hear the matter, which was contested earlier by the state and central governments, citing that such cases can be adjudicated by only a division bench.

(Source: The Indian Express)

3. Gujarat Assembly Session Begins Today, Nitin Patel to Unveil Modified Budget

Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Nitin Patel will be presenting a modified budget for the year 2019-20 on Tuesday during the fourth session of the 14th Gujarat Legislative Assembly. The session which will last till 25 July will have 16 working days.

With the implementation of GST, no new taxes are likely to be imposed. Although those in the know said announcements related to farmers particularly small and medium one are expected in the budget.

There is also a likelihood of announcement of schemes aimed towards skill development, water management and for the benefit of disabled.

(Source: DNA)

4. Gujarat High Court Verdict on Congress' Plea Against Alpesh Thakor Soon

With the arguments in the case filed by Congress chief whip in the state assembly Ashwin Kotwal seeking disqualification of Radhanpur MLA Alpesh Thakor finally coming to an end, the Gujarat High Court is likely to start dictation of judgment in the case on Tuesday. The division bench of Justice SR Brahmbhatt and Justice AP Thaker is going to deliver the verdict in the case.

Counsel for Kotwal, Hriday Buch, on Monday argued before the court that Alpesh has been involved in anti-party activities after tendering his resignation and therefore, he should be disqualified. Buch clarified that Alpesh worked against the candidates set up by Congress in Banaskantha in the Lok Sabha election and in assembly by-polls for Unjha constituency.

(Source: DNA)

5. Gujarat Incurs Yearly Loss of Rs 5,000 Cr After Rollout of GST

Gujarat has been losing about Rs 4,000-5,000 crore every year, since the roll-out of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) two years ago, state finance minister Nitin Patel said on Monday, 1 June, on the occasion of second anniversary of roll-out of GST in the country. However, as of now, the shortfall is being compensated by the central government.

Addressing a gathering of representatives of industries and tax practitioners, Patel said that as almost all indirect taxes have been subsumed under GST, it will accelerate the economy. "Single tax across the country will benefit customers and businesses alike," he said.

He remarked that after the roll-out of GST, Gujarat has been incurring a tax loss of Rs 4,000-5,000 crore. However, this loss on the part of Gujarat is indirectly giving a boost to the economy of other states, he said.

(Source: DNA)