GST worries only tax evaders: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

Hyderabad: Opposition to the newly launched Goods and Service Tax is coming from people, who evade taxes, according to Union minister for minority affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.

He said traders who consider it their fundamental right not to pay taxes need to worry after the GST rollout.

Addressing traders and people at Jana Jagruthi an awareness programme on GST here on Sunday evening, the minister pointed out that there would be no problem to the common people or small traders and big industrialists with the new tax system. The honest will get relief from inspector raj, he said.

“There are some misconceptions in the minds of the trade-business community and consumers regarding the GST, particularly regarding the compliance processes, need for computers and internet, number of returns to be filed, and whether the GST will cause inflation. All these are totally incorrect,” Mr Naqvi said.

The minister was critical of negative campaigning against GST on social media. 

“Those who do not want the country to progress and get strenghened are resorting to anti-GST activities and creating confusion,” he said.

Mr Naqvi said that the GST would be a gamechanger for the country’s economy. It is the biggest economic reform since Independence, the minister said, adding that GST would ensure transparency in the entire taxation system. In the new system, there will be one country, one tax, he said.

“The Centre and states would work with co-ordination in implementation of  GST. The GST council with all states as stakeholders met on 18 occasions and not for once voting system was adopted in finalising tax slabs. This shows  understanding and co-operation between states and the Centre on GST,” he said.