J&K Assembly resolves to implement GST

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly adopted a resolution for implementing the GST on Wednesday amid ruckus and intense protests by the Opposition. Later, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti convened an emergency meeting of the state Cabinet to discuss and give concurrence to the 101 Constitutional Amendment Act under which the GST would be made applicable to J&K as well.

Srinagar: Amid protests from Opposition members, Jammu and Kashmir legislature on Wednesday adopted a resolution on implementing Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the state.

The resolution was adopted in Assembly on Wednesday by voice vote after two days of discussion. However, the opposition NC, Congress and independent MLA from Valley including CPI(M) protested against extending the new tax regime to the state in its present form.

It was also adopted in Upper House of State Legislature by a voice vote.

After passage of resolution in the State Legislature, the State Cabinet met under the chairmanship of chief minister Mehbooba Mufti to give concurrence to the 101st amendment Act for implementation of GST in the state.

The passage of the resolution in the legislature and its concurrence by the State Cabinet will pave way for implementation of the new tax regime in the state, which was only state in the country not to implement the GST rolled on July 1. The resolution was moved by finance minister Haseeb Drabu on Tuesday.

Responding to the concerns of legislators, he said under no circumstances will the state amend the Section 5 of Constitution of J&K which gives it special taxation powers. Reacting to Opposition demand, Mr Drabu said alternative law would require amending constitution of J&K and of India.