By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, JUNE 10, 2017: THE Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr Jitendra Singh, had a detailed discussion with Members of Parliament from Northeast on the various facets of GST which, like other States of the country, is expected to roll out in the eight States of North Eastern region also from July 1, 2017.

At a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for Ministry of DoNER here, attended among others by prominent political leaders and Members of Parliament from Northeast, including Mr P.D. Rai from Sikkim, Mr Naba Kumar Sarania, Mr Rameshwar Teli from Assam and, Mr Vincent H. Pala and Mr Wansuk Syiem from Meghalaya, the subject of GST dominated the deliberations. The members expressed their views about the tax provisions relating to North Eastern handicrafts and handloom products. They also made some observations about the tax on broom-sticks and bamboo products.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that GST is bound to prove a game-changer for the Indian economy and in the times to come, it will play an essential role to place the Indian nation as a frontline global player. He said, the North-Eastern region, like the rest of the country, will not only benefit from the ease of business resulting from “One Nation, One Tax” dictum but would also, in the long run, reinforce the State exchequer and the tax pool by eliminating the possibilities of tax evasion.

Like in any other similar situation, Dr Jitendra Singh observed, there are likely to be certain adjustment issues during the transition phase, but this should not deter our determination because in the final reckoning, it is the GST which will carry India, including the Northeast, forward on the road to growth and economic empowerment. He said, some of the issues relating to Internet connectivity in the remote parts of the North-Eastern region have been brought to notice and are being adequately addressed so that the entire mechanism falls in line for successful implementation of GST in all the eight States of the region.

Dr Jitendra Singh called upon fellow Parliamentarians to take it up as a campaign and educate the common masses and allay their apprehensions, if any. There are sufficient safeguards for the small-time trader, he said, and in the long run the common man is going to benefit the most.