Center To Introduce Constitutional Amendment Bill In Lok Sabha Today To Roll Out GST

24 April, New Delhi

With most states on board, the government proposes to take up for consideration and passage a Constitution Amendment bill in the Lok Sabha Friday to roll out the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The BJP is likely to issue a whip to its members asking them to be present at the time of passage of the Constitution Amendment Bill, that requires two-third majority.

The government proposes to roll out the GST, a new indirect tax regime which will subsume various levies including sales tax, excise, service tax, from April 1, 2016.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday held discussions with state finance ministers on the road map for rolling out the GST, where most states, barring Tamil Nadu, gave their assent on its provisions.

Once the Constitution Amendment bill is approved by Parliament by two-third majority, it will have to be ratified by half of the states. The Bill on GST was introduced in the Lok Sabha in December last.