Modi defends GST, says it will benefit middle-class, poor

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a stout defence of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, saying it would lead to the moderation of prices and directly benefit the poor.

Inaugurating the International Conference on Consumer Protection for East, South and South-East Asian countries, the prime minister also made a pitch for strong regulatory framework and information sharing to safeguard consumer interest in the backdrop of growing cross-border e-commerce transactions.

At the conference, the prime minister listed out the benefits of GST, implementation of which has become a matter of ridicule with the Opposition terming it “Gabbar Singh Tax”. “After GST, dozens of different types of indirect taxes in the country have been abolished. Many hidden taxes have also gone away. Now, the consumer knows how much tax he has paid to the state government and how much to the central government,” Modi said.

He said GST would usher in a new business culture and benefit consumers. “Increased competition due to GST will lead to moderation in prices. It will directly benefit poor and middle-class consumers,” the prime minister said. The Congress-led Opposition has launched a shrill campaign against the “faulty” implementation of GST, claiming it was one of the key reasons for the slowdown in the economy.

Modi also highlighted that Asian countries have a 400 crore consumer base with increasing purchasing power and a young demographic profile, which is a huge support for businesses. “E-commerce and trans-border mobility of people is resulting in increased cross-border transactions. Under these circumstances, a strong regulatory system in every country and information sharing is a must for sustaining consumer confidence,” the prime minister said.

Modi said a framework for cooperation was also necessary to expeditiously act in cases related to consumers from other countries. “This will enhance mutual trust and trade,” the prime minister said.