Manipur Legislative Assembly passes GST bill

Imphal, June 5 (EMN): Manipur Legislative Assembly passed the Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill by voice vote at the final and concluding day of the two day special session of the house of 60 members on Monday. Clarifying certain queries prior to the passing of the bill, Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh said the state expects Rs 100-200 crores as projected revenue once the new tax system comes into force in country from July this year. So far 4500 retailers/traders in the state have registered for the new system added the report. Biren said, “Steps are taken up to include state’s favourite Ngari or dried and fermented fish in the exemption list of GST, as we’re consuming it regularly. Same in case of handloom products, as handlooms are our pride.” Introducing the Bill, Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar, who holds the Finance portfolio, said that the adoption of the GST Act would ensure progressive taxation and that it would benefit a consumer State like Manipur even more, as it would no longer have to bear the burden of taxations at various stages. Joykumar said, “The GST is all about tax reform wherein both consumers and traders will gain from it. It will effectively put an end to multiple taxation.” The passing of the bill which aimed at making a provision for levy and collection of tax on inter-state supply of goods or services or both by the state and matter connected therewith or incidental thereto, will pave the way for a uniform tax regime for goods and services. Ruling MLA and chief minister’s economic advisor P Sarat also shared a similar sentiment. Earlier initiating the discussion, opposition Congress MLA P Brojendro expressed the need to discuss the matter seriously before passing the Bill while his opposition colleague former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi’s son Surjakumar who supported the bill which aimed at ‘One nation one tax’, urged to include state’s favourite Ngari or dried and fermented fish in the exemption list of GST. Lone lady member in opposition bench, Ak Mirabai also echoed for inclusion of beautiful Manipuri handloom products in GST exemption list. The ruling members supported the bill while opposition members while participating in the discussions expressed their desire to discuss the matter seriously. Legislators Y Surchandra,K Ranit, Kh Joykishan, K Meghachandra, Th Lokeshwar also participated in the day’s discussion.