GST: Machinery ready to respond to initial difficulties, says Ashok Lavasa

Says, industry's response to goods and services tax is underestimated

Hours before the rollout of India’s biggest tax reform Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa tells Dilasha Seth in an interview industry’s response to the goods and services tax is underestimated. Edited excerpts.

What is the level of excitement within the government about the GST?

Excitement is high and there is positive anticipation, considering the government has been working on this reform for the last decade. There is a great deal of satisfaction with what has been achieved and anticipation over how the GST will pan out.

But industry is jittery. Small businesses, in particular, are quite worried...

It is natural for