On first anniversary of GST, Congress criticises its implementation 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday – on the first anniversary of the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) – called the initiative as an example of cooperative federalism. However, the Congress said the government had failed the economy by the “shoddily implemented and overcomplicated GST.”

Lauding GST, the Prime Minister said that the new tax regime has brought growth, simplicity and transparency in the economy. He tweeted, “GST has brought growth, simplicity and transparency. It is: Boosting formalisation. Enhancing productivity. Furthering ‘Ease of Doing Business.’ Benefitting small and medium enterprises. #GSTForNewIndia.”

Finance Minister Piyush Goyal echoed similar sentiments while congratulating the nation on the completion of one year of GST.

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The GST was rolled out on the midnight of June 30 last year after months of deliberation.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala yesterday had termed GST as “Grossly Scary Tax” and added that the promise of a “single-tax GST” is yet to be realised. “The GST is one of PM Modi’s U-Turns. The shoddily implemented and overcomplicated GST has failed the economy. Despite this, PM Modi continues to gloat about it,” the Congress tweeted.