NEW DELHI: The long-pending GST Bill was today listed for consideration and passage in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday amidst strong indications that the most far- reaching taxation reform in independent India would be supported by Congress and all other major political parties.
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, which has been in the making for over a decade, entails introduction of a single indirect tax regime across the country.
“The GST Bill is listed for consideration and passage on Wednesday in Rajya Sabha and we seek support of all political parties. The mood is in favour of its passage,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said.
According to top Government sources, a fresh round of talks was held today with the main opposition Congress and other parties, including the Left and Samajwadi Party, for building a consensus on the key tax reform legislation.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley held further consultations with senior Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma and chalked out details of the contentious bill aimed at bringing about a consensus on the key bill, sources said.
Jaitley also met CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury, besides some other leaders. Later, along with Kumar, he met Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.
Another round of talks to clarify on the language of key parts of the bill is likely to be held with Congress tomorrow. (AGENCIES)
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