Odisha Assembly passes resolution praising GST reforms

Amid a boycott by the Opposition BJD and Congress, the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution on voice vote, thanking the BJP-led central government for implementing the “next generation” Goods and Service Tax (GST) reforms for the benefit of the people.

The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who also oversees the finance department, received the House’s approval in the evening when opposition members had boycotted proceedings over unrelated issues.

Also Read: Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project not cancelled, says Minister in Odisha Assembly

GST Reforms Praised as a “Game Changer”

“The GST reforms are a transformative overhaul designed to reshape our economic landscape. This simplifies the tax structure, reduces rates of essential items, and aims to boost economic growth,” Majhi said.

Key aspects of the reforms, effective from September 22, include a simplified rate structure, lower taxes on essential goods, higher taxes on luxury items, and benefits for both consumers and businesses. Specific sectors, such as insurance, have also been given exemptions on individual life and health policies. Majhi described the reforms as more than a tax change, calling them a “game changer” promising a transparent, efficient, and growth-oriented economy, ultimately creating more employment.

Opposition Criticism and Political Debate

Opposition members who participated in the debate on Monday argued that credit should not be given solely to one party. Senior BJD member RP Swain criticized the BJP, claiming it took eight years to implement GST reforms while extracting Rs 57 lakh crore from citizens’ pockets.

Also Read: Water cannons fired as BJD workers try to storm Odisha Assembly in Bhubaneswar

Other BJD MLAs, including Arun Kumar Sahu and Ganeswar Behera, questioned the delay in bringing reforms and demanded tax exemptions for essentials such as rice, flattened rice, and kendu leaves. BJP member Tankadhar Tripathy accused the opposition of misleading the people of Odisha, while BJP MLAs Amar Nayak and Pratap Chandra Nayak thanked the Prime Minister for the GST reforms.

PTI