All-party meeting on GST today

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 28

Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu today said the state would have a special goods and services tax (GST) regime without affecting the unique constitutional position granted to it under Article 370 of the Constitution.

“Apart from safeguarding the special constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir, we will factor in administrative, legislative and other safeguards under the new tax regime,” he said.

The Finance Minister said the government had already convened two all-party meetings on the issue and the third meeting would be convened here tomorrow.

The Congress and National Conference had been opposing implementation of GST in the state and stayed away from the panel meeting of the GST held here recently.

Drabu termed apprehensions regarding GST as false. He said a false perception was being created among people regarding the new tax regime.

“There is no such thing as compromise on the existing position. It is written in the Agena of Alliance that there will be no compromise in the existing constitutional position,” he said.

“Our intentions are clear. A wrong perception has been created by vested interests about GST. We will ensure adequate safeguards to the state’s fiscal autonomy while implementing GST,” he said.

Cong delegation meets Governor

A delegation of the Congress on Wednesday apprised Governor NN Vohra of its views regarding implementation of the GST in the state and ongoing consultations between the government and the party on this important issue. Vohra advised the delegation to keep the interests of consumers and the state foremost during their consultations with the government regarding implementation of GST, to be held in Srinagar on Thursday. He urged them to continue their sustained efforts for bringing peace and development in the state.