GST will promote honesty culture: PM

The GST in India will become a model for other nations. Educational institutes will use it as a case study NARENDRA MODI, Prime Minister

NEW DELHI: The Goods and Services Tax is not just a tax reform, it is an economic model that will promote the culture of honesty, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his monthly radio address on Sunday.

“The GST, which I call the good and simple tax, has shown a positive impact on the economy in a short time,” Modi said in the 34th edition of the Mann Ki Baat as the ‘one-country, one-tax’ regime entered its 30th day.

While he did not mention the protests by traders over the implementation of the new tax set up, Modi said a lot of people called in or wrote to him either praising the GST or seeking clarifications.

Terming the GST as pro-poor and an example of cooperative federalism, he said the government’s effort is to ensure there is no extra burden on the poor. “I feel very happy when a poor person writes to say how prices of various items essential for him have come down because of the GST,” he said. “The GST in India will become a model for other nations. Educational institutes will use it as a case study.”

The implementation of the single-tax regime in a country of the size of India will inspire research in the world one day, the PM said.

On the upcoming 70th Independence Day, Modi said on the day Indians should resolve to usher in a new India five years later.

Drawing parallels with the launch of the Quit India movement in August 1942, Modi said the period from 2017 to 2022 should be as decisive for the future of the country as the five years from the launch of the movement to India’s independence.

“Today, we do not have to die for the nation. We have to live for our nation and take it to new heights of progress,” Modi said.

He also spoke about flood situation in the country in his 30-minute radio address.

The Prime Minister, who is expected to visit flood ravaged areas of Assam on August 1, had also visited flood affected parts of Gujarat last week. He said both state governments and central agencies are working to provide relief to the victims.

“Floods have destroyed crops, livestock and infrastructure. The farmer is the worst affected,” he said.