GST concerns will be taken to council, things will brighten: TN FM D.Jayakumar

Chennai: Urging the opposition parties and industries, as well, not to be perturbed over the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate structure, finance minister D. Jayakumar on Wednesday assured to highlight the concerns of the industries including match factory, handloom weavers, textiles and hotels at the GST council and work out a solution.

''He claimed that the GST Council, which decides on the rate structure for goods would consider the plea and take appropriate decision. “The rates that have been announced is not final. Already the GST Council has exempted 169 products from tax. So, don’t worry about the tax structure now. Things will brighten up,” he told the opposition DMK while responding to opposition charge on the “asymmetrical” tax structure stipulated for goods.

Initiating a debate in the Assembly DMK member Ramar E. called upon the State Government to work out a solution and have a single rate for all goods as being practiced by several countries. Intervening, commercial taxes minister K.C. Veeramani said the GST slabs are pegged at 5%, 12%, 18% and 28% and certain goods have been made tax-free.

“Taxes should be like honey and not become the honeybee to sting the people. The GST is like the bee’s sting,” Ramar insisted.

Stalin denied allegations that the DMK had supported the GST and opposing it now. He recalled that he had opposed the bill in the House and wanted it to be referred to a select committee to look into the grievances of affected people.