New Delhi, June 30: The “one nation, one tax” GST regime came into being in the country albeit with limitations, from the start of July 1, with members of the upper and lower houses of the Parliament — barring Congress, the Left and some others — participating in the mega special session at the Central Hall of Parliament. The midnight launch was projected by the ruling side as a historic moment marked by the sounding of gong.
President Pranab Mukherjee, addressing the special session, said GST is a tribute to the maturity and wisdom of India’s democracy. “Introduction of GST is a momentous event for the nation,” said the President. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said GST is a transparent and fair system that prevents black money and corruption and promotes a new governance culture.
Several parties have boycotted the special session, saying this was more of a “tamasha” and “show”, while enough of preparations were not made by the government. This, they feared, would lead to chaotic situations in the market.
The session saw presence of NDA, as also JD(U), ?BJD, NCP, SP, and JD(S) members, Union ministers including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and several noted personalities from the cinema industry, state finance ministers, formers CAGs, and the Election Commissioner of India.
Among the parliamentarians from Orissa participating in the midnight session were Nabarangpur MP Balabhadra Majhi, Rajya Sabha MP Pratap Keshari Deb and state finance minister Pradip Kumar Amat.
Sources said there was little chance of any MP from the BJD speaking on behalf of the party during the special session. “Thisis unlikely as there has not been any such communication from the Parliament Secretariat or from the ruling party,” Nabarangpur MP Balabhadra Majhi told Orissa POST. The Parliament building was decorated tastefully Friday. PNN
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