State GST collection 2.5 times of Punjab, says Capt Abhimanyu

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 8

Finance Minister Capt Abhimanyu today said the collection of the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) had been two and a half times more than neighbouring Punjab, according to the figures for the last three months.

He claimed that Haryana was number one in terms of tax collection among big states in the country.

Captain Abhimanyu was addressing mediapersons on the completion of one year of demonetisation here. State BJP media in charge Rajiv Jain was also present.

The minister said a year ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demonstrating political willpower, had demonetised 86 per cent of the total issued currency as a step of movement towards formal economy.

The people of the country had accepted the decision of the Central government that dealt a severe blow to corruption, Naxalism and terrorism.

Captain Abhimanyu questioned former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh for dubbing demonetisation a loot and said perhaps he made such a light statement under pressure of the party.

He referred to an article written by senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily against demonetisation and said the former Union minister had acknowledged that black money did exist during his party’s 10-year rule.

Capt Abhimanyu said the GST was implemented after Parliament and all state Assemblies passed an Act in this regard. The Congress-ruled states are also members of the GST Council and it has been implemented with their active support and cooperation, he added.