Don’t want business class to get caught in red-tape: PM on GST

Dwarka: Hailing the sweeping changes in GST by his government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the decision was made to give relief to small and medium businesses as his government did not want them to get caught in red-tape.

"When we announced important decisions of GST on Friday, the entire country started celebrating saying Diwali has arrived 15 days early," said Modi while addressing the gathering after the foundation laying ceremony for the bridge connecting Okha and Beyt Dwarka here.

"We had said during introduction of the GST that changes will be made after hearing difficulties of traders and we have done it. We do not want to put our traders in the trap of red-tapism, files, bureaucracy. The decision has been welcomed unanimously from entire country. We have tried to make the GST from simple tax to simpler and I am grateful to my traders who have welcomed this decision," the PM said.

PM said based on the information the government had, Union finance minister Arun Jaitley convinced everyone at the GST Council meet on Friday.

"When there is trust in the government and honesty is seen behind decisions, then the country joins in despite difficulties," Modi said.

"I can feel it and I am thankful to the people of the country for the way they have welcomed our effort to make simple tax simpler," Modi said.

Three months after the roll-out of the new indirect tax regime, the GST Council on Friday made sweeping changes to give relief to small and medium businesses on filing and payment of taxes, eased rules for exporters and cut tax rates on more than two dozen items.

Taking a dig at the Congress, Modi said, "When Madhavsinh Solankiji was CM (of Gujarat), I remember front page advertisements that CM was coming to Jamnagar to inaugurate a water tank. This is how narrow their concept of development was."

"We have come a long way since then and we are looking at more all-round and extensive progress," Modi said.

The PM said his government was working towards port-led development and empowerment of fishermen. Stating that the government wants port-led development, he said the blue economy would further help in India's progress.

"Kandla Port is seeing unprecedented growth. This is because we devoted resources to improve the port. New lease of life was added to Alang; steps were taken for the welfare of labourers working there. These are the steps we are taking towards development," Modi added.