Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation

Salient Points of PM Narendra Modi’s address at the launch of Goods & Service Tax from Central Hall of Parliament on 30 Jun, 2017

  • In the process of nation building, we often arrive at a moment which leads us to a path breaking juncture and opens up a plethora of opportunities imploring us to aspire for new dreams. At the stroke of the midnight hour today, together we shall ensure a pioneering future of the nation.
  • I do not believe that this process of GST is restricted to the scope of economy only. This momentous occasion stands today as a testimony to the concept of Co-operative Federalism in Indian Democracy.
  • This is a shared heritage. The combined efforts of all led us to this accomplishment. And here we are, unified, heralding the red letter day at 12 AM in this Central Hall.
  • When the Constitution was framed, it introduced a framework of equal opportunity and rights for all. Very importantly, GST also intends to bring in economic reforms. It is a great example of Co-operative Federalism which shall facilitate inclusive growth of the nation.
  • The people connected with GST have gone beyond politics and unanimously contributed to ensure welfare of the poor class.
  • All states are slated to gain immensely as they shall now get equal opportunities of development.
  • GST is the first of its kind system in the country when both Centre and State shall be putting consolidated efforts in the same direction.
  • We shall be proud of this wonderful system for generations to come as GST is a landmark achievement which is bound to take the nation towards exponential growth.
  • GST Council had its 18th meeting and GST would be implemented in a short while from now. Incidentally, the Holy book Gita also has 18 chapters and today we are moving forward successfully.
  • If we take into consideration the 29 states, the 7 Union Territories, the 7 taxes of the Centre and the 8 taxes of the states, and several different taxes for different commodities, the number of taxes sum up to a figure of 500! Today all those taxes will be shred off to have ONE NATION, ONE TAX right from Ganganagar to Itanagar and from Leh to Lakshadweep.
  • We have all lived tax terrorism and inspector raj. Today, due to the transparency of GST, due to technologically proven trial, grey areas are ending. GST has an inherent strength of eliminating the possibility of ordinary businessmen being harassed by the officers. Traders with a turnover up to Rs. 20 lakh are totally exempt from this. Traders with a turnover up to Rs. 75 lakh are also having many exemptions.
  • It is true that everyone is not tech-savvy. However, if any household has a class 10th-12th student, he would definitely know about technology. GST is so simple that a class 12 student can help merchants file returns.
  • GST is a system that ends the imbalances in the country’s trade. It also boosts the exports of the country.
  • This system not only provides impetus to already developed states but also provides the opportunity to the backward states to develop.
  • GST is the path breaking legislation for New India. A revolutionary taxation system for the digital India.
  • Just as Sardar Patel had ensured political integration of the country, GST would ensure economic integration
  • GST would lead to a modern tax administration which is simpler, more transparent, and helps curb corruption