Rahul Gandhi praises the passage of GST Bill

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Monday said the passage of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) constitutional amendment bill is a good step for the country. "I think it is a good step for the country," Gandhi told reporters after the Lok Sabha unanimously passed the 122nd constitutional amendment bill, paving way for the implementation of the GST. He further said the differences over the GST between the government and the Congress have narrowed down but the issue of 18 per cent cap is worrisome as it concerns inflation.

"We had earlier three major differences on the GST. We worked out the differences. There is one issue which is the 18 per cent issue and we feel that it is a very important issue. Because we are worried about inflation resulting from no cap. So now that discussion (will be) in December," he said.

The constitutional amendment bill is an enabling legislation and the government will come out with a CGST and IGST Bill in the Winter Session of Parliament for implementing new tax regime which will subsume various indirect taxes.