Opposition Blocks GST Bill In RS; Jaitley Says Govt To Use Alternative Mechanism To Pass It
11 August, New Delhi
The Rajya Sabha could not take up the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Second Amendment) Bill, 2014 on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for consideration and passing today as the opposition Congress members stalled the proceedings amidst noisy scenes.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who moved the GST Bill accused the Congress of stopping the growth and development of the country. He said the real purpose of the opposition uproar is aimed at stalling the progress. He said the External Affairs Minister’s issue is only a pretext not to allow the passage of the Bill. He said GST Bill will give boost to the country’s economy.
Soon after the House met at 2 PM, Anand Sharma of the Congress alleged that the Government has not allocated any time for discussion on the GST Bill. Responding to this, Finance Minister clarified that the Business Advisory Committee of the Rajya Sabha had fixed four hours time at that stage when it was referred by the Lok Sabha.
He said the Upper House had referred it to its own Select Committee. Later the House was adjourned for the day amidst pandemonium. Earlier the House witnessed three adjournments in the pre-lunch session over Lalit Modi controversy.
With only two days left for the Monsoon Session of Parliament to conclude and blockage of the GST Bill by Congress, the government today said it will use every alternative mechanism to pass it. Talking to reporters outside Parliament, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the Centre is firm on its intention to pass the bill and all the political and constitutional options are open.
He slammed Congress for disrupting the Rajya Sabha saying the opposition party is in self-destructive mode by creating hurdles in the passage of the Bill is putting obstacles in the path of national growth. Jaitley regretted that Congress went back on its stand on GST bill on which there is large consensus. He said the GST will boost GDP and bring down the prices besides bringing uniformity in the tax system across the country.
Alleging that Congress leadership is not able to digest its defeat of the Lok Sabha elections, Mr. Jaitley hit out at Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi saying they could not stomach anyone else ruling the country outside Nehru- Gandhi family.. Jaitley alleged that the policies of Congress were a liability for the economy when it was in power and it continues to be so even now. He said the Congress stands isolated with almost no political group supporting its disruptive approach.
Parliament has given its seal of approval to the Appropriation Bill relating to General Budget for the year 2015-16 and the Appropriation (Railways) Bill for the year 2012-13 with the Rajya Sabha returning them today. The Lok Sabha had earlier passed them.