Goa to convene special session to ratify GST Bill: Parsekar

Panaji, Aug 16 (PTI) The BJP-led Goa government willhold a special session soon to ratify the Constitution (122ndAmendment) Bill, 2014 enabling implementation of the Goods andService Tax (GST). "We have decided to call a special session of theAssembly soon to ratify the crucial GST Bill that was recentlypassed in Parliament," Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekartold reporters here today after chairing the state Cabinetmeeting. The Chief Minister said the GST Bill which waspassed in Parliament earlier this month is being studied bythe Finance Department. "The (Finance) department has recommended that weshould immediately pass it (the Bill) by calling the session,"he said. The Chief Minister had during the monsoon sessionwelcomed the passage of the Bill in Parliament saying it willhelp Goa, which is a tourist state. The long-delayed GST Constitution Bill was passed byParliament on August 8, marking a historic step for taxreforms which Prime Minister Narendra Modi said was "crucial"for ending tax terrorism besides reducing corruption and blackmoney while making consumer the "king". Meanwhile, the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry(GCCI) had also expressed happiness over passage of GST Billin Parliament. "With introduction of GST, exemptions regime will cometo an end. This will attract new investments to Goa in themanufacturing sector on account of its better infrastructure.This will also benefit Goa in the long run," GCCI had said ina statement. PTI RPS NRB SMNBAS