Gujarat seeks quick response on Goods & Service Tax

Union finance minister Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday met chief minister Narendra Modi and discussed with him the issue of GST (Goods & Service Tax) regime which is likely to be implemented across the nation from April 2011.  State finance minister Vaju Vala and minister of state for finance Saurabh Patel were present.

Mukherjee had a talk with the CM and his ministers for almost 45 minutes. After the meeting, he told the media:  "I am visiting all states and meeting CMs and FMs to discuss the GST issue. Today, I met Gujarat CM, FM and the minister of state for finance. We discussed various issues. The state government also submitted a memorandum regarding various issues.''

Modi said they had a talk with the Union minister mainly on GST issue, though other issues were touched upon.  "We have presented our views on GST to him. We have told him that GST should benefit the common man and fuel the nation's growth. GST should also keep in mind the development of manufacturing and consumer sector of the nation.

"For better implementation of GST, we need nationwide IT infrastructure. We have also submitted a memorandum to the FM regarding the issues of cotton farmers, and CST share of Gujarat of around Rs2,200 crore to Rs2,300 crore. We are hopeful of a quick response on these key issues.''