Punjab to suffer most from delay in GST passage: Amarinder Singh

CHANDIGARH: Amid Congress party facing BJP's criticism for non-passage of GST Bill, senior Congress leader Capt Amarinder Singh today expressed displeasure over the delay in the introduction and passage of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, saying as a result Punjab will be the "worst sufferer".

"Whatever the reasons and circumstances have been, during the Monsoon Session (of Parliament), the GST should have been allowed to be introduced in Parliament to facilitate the way for its eventual passage," Amarinder observed in a statement, while emphasising and underlining its importance for the overall economic growth of the country.

The Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha said it is very crucial particularly for a state like Punjab which is reeling under debt of over Rs 1.25 lakh crore and is not able to "meet" its revenue expenditure and its statutory obligations.

The former Chief Minister said Punjab will "suffer the most" over the delay in the passage of the GST as the state is passing through a "critical" economic phase where it does not have enough "money" even to pay the monthly salaries and service the debts it owes.

Lok Sabha MP said it would have provided relief to both to the state as well as its trade and industry which is under acute "financial stress" and is fast "winding up".

"The introduction of the GST, which is originally the brainchild of the Congress, could have proved mutually beneficial for both the industry as well as the state.

"On the one hand it would have streamlined and uniformed the tax regime and on the other hand would have generated additional revenue and resources for the state," he added, while regretting that the state will now have to wait for an uncertain period of time.