Assam first state to pass GST Bill

Guwahati, Aug 12: The Assam assembly unanimously passed the Constitution Amendment Bill on GST on Friday, becoming the first state to ratify the crucial tax reform legislation.

“I declare the Bill, which was passed by both Houses of Parliament, to be ratified unanimously by Assam assembly,” Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass announced in the House. Though opposition Congress and AIUDF MLAs supported the Bill, they had earlier sought a discussion in the assembly to evaluate GST’s impact on Assam and people. But they were turned down by the speaker.

Following passage of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Second Amendment) Bill, 2014, Dass and finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who introduced it in the House, exchanged sweets. Sarma said CM Sarbananda Sonowal wanted that Assam becomes the first state to pass the amendment as this would send a positive signal to industry .“We have always lagged behind, but want to be the first in passing this Bill. This is a historic proposal. I thank the speaker for allowing us to introduce it today after we informed him just last night,” said Sarma.