Govt to hold more talks, says ‘atmosphere positive’

Although the business advisory committee of the Rajya Sabha earmarked five hours for a discussion on the GST Bill, it was obvious that a discussion is unlikely to take place any time soon.

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Anand Sharma pointed out that time was allocated for discussion on the Bill in the last session.

EMPHASISING THAT it wants to build a consensus on the GST Bill, the government Monday said it would hold discussions with all parties.

Although the business advisory committee of the Rajya Sabha earmarked five hours for a discussion on the GST Bill, it was obvious that a discussion is unlikely to take place any time soon. Congress deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma said allocation of time “does not indicate a consensus”, and pointed out that time was allocated for discussion on the Bill in the last session as well.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar told the media: “We need to hold a lot of consultations for passing the GST Bill unanimously. Some more time is required for this purpose. Meetings (between the government and political parties) will continue”.

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Asked about the Central government’s position on the Congress’s demand that it should come out with a written response to the party’s suggestions for changes in the Bill, Kumar said talks held between Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and senior Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma last week were of a “preliminary” nature and had touched upon all issues. However, he said, the “atmosphere is very positive and even the Congress feels the GST Bill should move forward”.

Jaitley is expected to meet Azad and Sharma in the next few days with “concrete proposals” to address the Congress’ demand to cap the GST rate at 18 per cent. The Congress is understood to be prepared to consider alternative proposals to its demand that the cap be mentioned in the Constitutional Amendment Bill.

Sharma, one of the chief negotiators of the Congress, reiterated that his party wants the rate ring-fenced, and argued that there is “no question of softening” the party’s position. “Congress has inherent wisdom and pragmatism because we are the authors of the Bill. Please take out the Bill which we had cleared in the UPA cabinet and which we gave to Parliament… We are very clear. There is no question of any departure from our side,” he said.