IMPHAL, June 5 - Manipur on Monday joined the rest of the country and Northeastern States by passing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill. The Bill was passed by voice vote on the concluding day of the two-day special session of the State Assembly.
Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh said the State expects around Rs 100 crore-Rs 200 crore as projected revenue once the new tax regime comes into force in the country from July. So far, 4500 retailers/traders in the State have registered for the new system.
Singh said, �Steps have been taken to include State�s favourite Ngari or dried and fermented fish and handloom products in the exemption list of GST.�
Introducing the Bill, Deputy CM Yumnam Joykumar, who holds the Finance portfolio, said that the adoption of the GST Act would ensure progressive taxation and that it would benefit a consumer State like Manipur, as it would no longer have to bear the burden of taxations at various stages.
�The GST is all about tax reforms and it will effectively put an end to multiple taxation.� The passing of the Bill which is aimed at making a provision for levy and collection of tax on inter-State supply of goods or services or both by the State, will pave the way for a uniform tax regime for goods and services.
The ruling members supported the Bill while opposition members while participating in the discussions expressed their desire to discuss the matter seriously. Legislators Y Surchandra, K Ranit, Kh Joykishan, K Meghachandra, Th Lokeshwar and others participated in the discussion.
