CENTRE WORKING TO BRING FUEL UNDER GST: NIRMALA SITHARAMAN

Goods and Service Tax (GST) was introduced in 2017 and since then it is expected that the central government would bring fuel under GST which would be relieving for consumers reeling under high fuel prices. Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Nirmala Sitharaman said that the government is planning to bring the fuel under GST and a couple of rounds of meetings have taken place between Centre and state. After the consent on part of both rates would be fixed. Although, the Central government is mulling over a strategy for the same. It is worth mentioning that not bringing fuel under GST would put additional financial pressure on consumers. Thus, the demand of bringing the fuel under the above will be relieving for consumers to some extent. 

 Further, she said that the GST council will have to take the decision pertaining to the fixation of the rate. While reacting to questions regarding the fiscal health of Haryana, Sitharaman said that even with the corona epidemic, the state performed well and no borrowing was made by the state. Besides, the state government refrained from using additional sources which is worth praise. She personally asked CM Manohar Lal whether the state required any financial assistance but he denied it.

 The Central government is trying its best to give benefits of all schemes starter during its regime. Likewise, the Mudra scheme was launched for the betterment of deprived people of the society including Schedule Cast (ST) and Schedule Tribe (ST) along with women as they are being given loans without bank guarantee to start a business. 

While giving an answer regarding a question over demonetisation, she said that it has played a vital role in controlling fake currency which used to emerge as a huge problem. Besides it also led to tightening the noose against terrorism which is a matter of serious concern. These steps are the economic reforms required to make the commoners economically and to some extent, such reforms proved their mettle. Besides, the government continues to put its best towards the ease of doing business.

During the corona pandemic, digitalisation witnessed a spike at a large scale which is a better sign. Fewer sources most likely result in a shortage of liquidity.