Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has written to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking immediate release of Rs 6,752.83 crore towards the State’s arrears of GST (Goods and Services Tax) compensation pending since October 2, 2019.
Chief Minister has urged the Prime Minister to direct the Union Finance Ministry to ensure release of these arrears on priority in view of the critical situation arising out of the COVID-19 crisis.
In these excruciating times, where both the Central and State Governments are coping with the challenges arising out of COVID-19, the release of this arrear would provide a big relief to Punjab, said the Chief Minister.
The amount of Rs 6,752.83 crore, pending as arrears of compensation, if released, would help the Punjab Government in minimizing the impact of this catastrophe, besides providing desired relief to the poor and needy, he added.
Reiterating his Government’s commitment to support the endeavours of the Central Government in mitigating the adverse impact of this catastrophe, Capt Amarinder Singh further said that deferment of taxes and relaxation in procedural obligations would provide a big reprieve to trade and industry and alleviate some, if not all, stress on the common man.