Odisha assembly ratifies GST Bill, 16th state to do so

15 states have already ratified the constitutional amendment bill and now, the GST bill can turn into a law

The Odisha legislative assembly on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution ratifying the Constitution Amendment Bill on Goods and Services Tax (GST), 2016.

Odisha became the 16th state to have passed the landmark tax reform.

In a special sitting of the state assembly, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik moved a resolution on ratification of the GST bill, which was passed after hours long discussion.

The Chief Minister thanked the members of the assembly for supporting the resolution.

He said the GST would bring about comprehensive reform in the indirect tax regime across the country.

The Chief Minister said: "A number of benefits are expected to accrue not only to the central and state governments but also the consumers, business, and industries from the changeover to the Goods and Services Tax system."

Patnaik, however, said the state government would separately request the Centre to consider its concern for the imposition of green tax on polluting goods in addition to the GST and take appropriate steps for Central Sales Tax compensation to the states up to 2016-17.

Leader of Opposition Narasingh Mishra argued for a capping on the GST rate for the benefit of the poor.

"I appeal to the government to protect the interest of the poorest of poor people," said Misha.

15 states have already ratified the constitutional amendment bill. With Odisha passing the bill in its legislature, this has now touched the magic number of 16, which is required to turn the bill into a law.

The Constitution 122nd Constitutional Amendment Bill was passed by the Parliament on August 8, marking a historic step for tax reforms which Prime Minister Modi said was 'crucial' for ending tax Terrorism besides reducing corruption and black money while making the consumer 'king'.

The government has set a deadline of April 2017 for the GST rollout.