Blaming GST, Amarinder hints at hiking levy on liquor

PATIALA: Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday said the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was “a good thing” but the Bjp-led Union government “failed in its implementation”, adding that the state had “no other option” but to increase taxes, including excise duty.

This means liquor, in particular, may become dearer.

The CM said states were fundstarved as the Centre was not releasing their GST share.

“Improper implementation of GST has left no other option but to enhance tax, including excise (duty), to garner funds for the state treasury to meet day-to-day expenses. And this is against the spirit of GST,” Singh said on the sidelines of a national livestock championship and expo.

Once a votary of GST, Singh, who is set to visit Gujarat for the election campaign, said: “Punjab has got only ₹400 crore since GST was implemented. How can a state be run with this meagre amount? There’s more than ₹2,000 crore outstanding, and there is no idea when they (Centre) will release it.” Asked about measures to tackle the crunch, he said, “Initially, we are trying to increase excise collection, and a cabinet committee is looking at various options.” Punjab collects revenue of ₹5,000 crore a year from excise duty on liquor.

Singh also spoke against restrictions on livestock trade and urged farmers to shift to agriallied sectors such as livestock rearing to boost their income.