Monsoon session begins today; storm clouds gather over GST

July 18, 2016 09:20

Sparks are set to fly in the Parliament once again over a range of issues, including the bill for the introduction of Goods and Services Tax across the country.

The government has listed around a dozen bills pending introduction, consideration and passage during the monsoon session of Parliament, starting today.

Two bills are pending passage in the Lok Sabha, while seven bills are pending in the Rajya Sabha, including the GST Bill.

At an all-party meeting convened by the government a day before Parliament meets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "GST is of national importance. Issue is not which government gets credit. Important Bills, including GST will be taken up in the monsoon session and I hope for meaningful discussions and outcomes."

He urged all the political parties to keep national interests above any other considerations. "We represent both the people and parties and there is a need to keep national interests above anything else".

The Congress said it will support bills but based on merit but offered no assurance on the GST, saying it can take a stand only after the government gives it a "written draft" over concerns raised by it.

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