Goods and Service Tax Bill is passed by Lok Sabha

New Delhi: The Goods and Service Tax Bill, a key reform measure that seeks to create a national market, was approved by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday with support from parties like the BJD and Trinamool amid a walkout by the Congress after a promise that the recommended tax rate of 27 per cent will be diluted.

While the Constitution Amendment Bill was approved by the required two-thirds majority easily, its fate in the Rajya Sabha, where the ruling BJP-led NDA lacks a majority, remains uncertain as many Opposition parties want it to be scrutinised by a Parliamentary committee. The Upper House is due to take up the Bill on Thursday.