New Delhi [India], September 22 : Union Minister of State (MoS) for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, on Monday took a jibe at the Congress party after Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms came into effect and asserted that the move could not be implemented earlier because people did not trust the opposition party.
While speaking to ANI after the reforms came into effect, the Union Minister also highlighted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had worked to ensure public trust in the new system.
"Congress was attempting to introduce this 10 years prior to 2014. But the states didn't trust the then Centre...Since people did not trust them, it could not be implemented. As far as reforms after 8 years are concerned, it is essential to reform everything with time. A reform has been brought to ease the burden on people," Chaudhary told ANI.
The Union Minister also said the ruling party was committed to ensuring that people benefited from the tax reforms and their MPs and MLAs would visit shops and go among people to create awareness.
"The BJP has decided that all our MPs and MLAs will visit shops and go among people to create awareness among them. We will also encourage shopkeepers to pass on the relief given by the government. We have also been assured by everyone that they will pass this on," he stated.
Explaining the GST reforms' impact, Chaudhary said the government had simplified tax slabs and provided relief in key sectors.
"Earlier, some agri products were at 12% and some others at 18%. PM wanted and the Council decided to bring almost everything at 5% to promote the agri sector and simplify it. Several daily-use products have been brought down to zero (GST), and several other packaging goods have been brought to 5%. In the health sector, life-saving drugs have been brought down to zero GST. In the education sector, almost everything has been brought to zero GST. All sectors have been taken into consideration," Chaudhary explained.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hailed the next generation GST tax reforms, which came into force across the country, calling it a "double bonanza" given to the people during the season of festivals
"From today, next generation GST reforms have been implemented and GST Bachat Utsav has started. On the occasion of festivals, the people have gotten a double bonanza," the Prime Minister said while addressing a public event in Itanagar.