PM’s office sends 150 thank you notes for backing reform

As the countdown for the launch of the much-awaited Goods and Services Tax (GST) begins, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has expressed gratitude to state chief ministers, chief secretaries, leaders of all recognised national parties and other senior dignitaries in facilitating its roll out on July 1.

Jitendra Singh, minister of state in the PMO, shot off more than 150 letters, thanking them for efforts in making GST a reality. “Such a gigantic task has been achieved with the co-operation of all state governments as well as political parties and other stakeholders,” the letter read.

GST, touted as one of the most important reforms since independence, will be rolled out on the midnight of June 30.

The letter noted that the implementation of the new tax structure will not only create a unified national market but would also prevent cascading of taxes, boost manufacturing activities and exports, generate more jobs besides further boosting the overall investment climate in the country.

President Pranab Mukherjee will officially launch the new tax at a special function, which will be attended by vice-president Hamid Ansari and PM Modi at Parliament’s central hall. Senior officials and dignitaries will also be present on the occasion.

“The rollout of the GST is a collaborative effort of all states and political parties and we need to celebrate the occasion in a collective manner,” a senior government official said.

On June 22, the cabinet which met under Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the contribution made by all CMs, state finance ministers besides leaders of political parties.

All central and state-level taxes and levies will be subsumed into one, once the new tax regime is introduced. While broadly the GST has four tax slabs — 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%, there are a few items which have been exempted from the structure.