Bhubaneswar: In a session marked by the absence of the Opposition BJD and Congress, the Odisha Assembly passed a resolution through a voice vote on Tuesday, expressing gratitude to the BJP-led Central government for introducing the “next generation” Goods and Service Tax (GST) reforms aimed at benefiting citizens. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who oversees the Finance department, proposed the resolution, which received approval from the House on Tuesday evening despite the boycott by both opposition parties over unrelated issues. Majhi emphasized that the GST reforms represent a significant transformation intended to alter the economic landscape. He noted that the reforms simplify the tax structure, lower rates on essential goods, and are designed to stimulate economic growth.
Key features of the reforms, effective from September 22, include a simplified rate structure, reduced taxes on essentials, advantages for consumers and businesses, and increased taxes on luxury items. Majhi pointed out that certain sectors, like insurance, would also benefit since GST on individual life and health insurance policies has been exempted. He described the Next Generation GST reforms as not merely a tax modification, but a “game changer” that promises a more transparent, efficient, and growth-oriented economy, ultimately facilitating national progress and job creation. Opposition members, who had participated in the debate the previous day, argued that credit should not be attributed solely to the ruling party.
Senior BJD member R P Swain claimed that it took eight years for this decision and criticized the BJP for allegedly exploiting the situation politically. He noted Modi’s initial opposition to GST and questioned the delays in simplification, while also advocating for tax exemptions on essentials like rice and kendu leaves. Other BJD MLAs, including Arun Kumar Sahu and Ganeswar Behera, criticized the BJP government for the slow pace of reforms. In contrast, BJP member Tankadhar Tripathy accused the Opposition of misleading the people of Odisha, while BJP MLAs Amar Nayak and Pratap Chandra Nayak expressed their gratitude to the Prime Minister for the GST reforms.