Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday stated that Chhattisgarh has potential to become the ‘logistics hub’ of the country after the launch of Goods and Services Tax (GST).
“Chhattisgarh is geographically located ideally in the central part and the companies’ manufacturing consumer durables will find it convenient to build godowns,’’ the Finance Minister remarked while speaking as a chief guest at a workshop in Raipur organised on ‘Goods and Services Tax (GST)’.
Chief Minister Raman Singh presided over the workshop organised by Chhattisgarh State Commercial Tax and GST Department.
Jaitley said that all the States are members of GST Council. Chhattisgarh State had been very active in the meetings of GST Council.
He added, “Due to the relentless efforts of Sardar Patel, India had been united politically but the country was never one in economic terms. The scenario prevailing during the past 70 years had not been conducive to paying taxes. GST will benefit country, business, manufacturers, traders and common citizens,’’.
The Union Minister said that businessmen will understand the on-line process soon. The interference of bureaucrats will be minimal with the launch of on-line process.
The revenues generated due to GST will help in the development of nation. Jaitley gave a detailed description of GST and allayed the apprehensions of the gathering.
Chief Minister Raman Singh said that the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jaitley had led to the implementation of GST.
“It (GST) will lead to economic integration of the entire nation,’’ Singh observed, adding,
“Jaitley had done a wonderful job of catering to the needs of diversified sections of the society and States. New Era of Economic liberty had been unleashed in the country.
‘One Nation, One Market and One Tax dream’ had been fulfilled and the country had been economically unified. The GDP of the country will increase and there will be Ease of Doing Business,’’
Singh appreciated the efforts of Commercial Tax Minister Amar Agrawal in putting his efforts to express the viewpoints of Chhattisgarh State.
Agrawal said he had participated in 18 sittings of GST Council.
The GST had been implemented after wide-ranging talks with all stakeholders. There will not be any obstacles for traders and consumers.
The workshop was organised to allay fears and apprehensions of various parties. Public Works Minister Rajesh Munat, Chief Secretary Vivek Dhand, GST Department Principal Secretary Amitabh Jain, members of Chartered Accountants’ Association and office-bearers of Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce were also present.