Delay in passage of GST Bill costing the economy: BJD

NEW DELHI: Amid continuing political logjam over GST Bill, BJD leader B Mahtab today said the delay in implementing the tax reform has already resulted in costs to the economy.

Wondering "who is responsible" for the delay, Mahtab, whose party is supporting the reform measure, said unless the Bill is passed, the benefits of GST is not going to be there for the economy before 2019.

"We are yet to know the fate of GST Bill which is stuck in Rajya Sabha...," Mahtab said, adding the delay in roll out has resulted in costs for the economy. In terms of revenue, growth and improved productivity, there is a cost, he added.

"How long can this country wait? Will we wait till the 12th hour," he wondered.

His comments come at a time when the passage of Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill is stuck in the Upper House amid Opposition from Congress. The government is looking to implement GST from April 1, 2016.

"If it is blocked, I am sure it is not going to happen before 2019 because it takes two years minimum for the law to settle down," Mahtab said.

Participating in the discussion on supplementary demands for grants, Mahtab said this is the last session to clear the GST Bill to ensure that it gets implemented from April next.

"Earlier government was suffering from Cindrella syndrome and this government is also suffering from it. Get over it," he noted.

Cindrella syndrome generally refers to an unconscious desire that somebody will take care of you.