GST Bill: We must protect rights of states, says Sitaram Yechury in Rajya Sabha

“Are we going to reduce the states to come to Centre with begging bowls to ask for money? How do we protect the rights of states? We (Rajya Sabha) are the council of states. I urge the Finance Minister to address this issue, and a provision be made when we discuss the GST bill,” Yechury said.

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Sitaram Yechury in Rajya Sabha. (Source: PTI)

CPM leader Sitaram Yechury, during the debate on GST Bill in Rajya Sabha, on Wednesday urged the government to protect the right of states. The CPM leader quoted the Constitution saying India is a Union of States and the rights of the states are fundamental to the Constitution.

He reminded the house the views of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar about taxation issues and the impact that it would have on provinces. “Are we going to reduce the states to come to Centre with begging bowls to ask for money? How do we protect the rights of states? We (Rajya Sabha) are the council of states. I urge the Finance Minister to address this issue, and a provision be made when we discuss the GST bill,” Yechury said.

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He also said the tax rate of 24 per cent will cripple most of the people of our country.

On the issue of dispute redressal, Yechury said greater thought must be given to it and it must be spelt out more concretely when it comes out for discussion.

He also said that the GST bill is of major importance and it should come back for consultation and deliberation. “The bills should be brought back as finance bill and not as a money bill,” said Yechury.

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He expressed satisfation that over the fact that India has got rid of colonial hangover. “Westminster has three colours – green, red and royal blue. We got rid of royal blue, which is reserved for the Queen of England, by becoming a republic. We still have green and red, and when something is of concern to our people, we will raise the red flag. The interest of the people are supreme.”

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