GST rollout was ‘extremely smooth’ without any disruption: Jaitley

07 August, Thiruvananthapuram

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said the roll-out of the Goods and Services Tax was ‘extremely smooth’ and without any disruption in the country.

Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram yesterday, he also rejected the argument that trade registration under the GST was less and said a record number of registrations have taken place.

On the alleged irregularities connected with the Medical Council of India clearance to a private medical college involving a BJP functionary in Kerala, Jaitley said that the state BJP had taken prompt action against the worker.

He claimed that the BJP is the only political party in the country, which, as part of self-introspection, takes action. He added that in several states, people have been caught for improprieties and parties were strongly trying to defend them.

Jaitley said that if a party sets a precedent by dismissing a member for irregularities, it is a good action and also a good step in Indian politics.

BJPs Kerala unit came under a cloud after an internal party report purportedly said that a functionary allegedly took 5.60 crore rupees bribe to facilitate approval from the Medical Council of India for the college at nearby Varkala.