State Assembly tables GST bill, excludes liquor

Karnataka GST will come into effect from July1. Government to conduct a workshop for MLAs by experts. Legislators worry that it may affect the state's economy

The Karnataka Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, 2017 was tabled by the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who holds the Finance portfolio, in the Assembly, on Wednesday. This is along the lines of GST that is coming into force in the country from July 1.  The State government has decided to implement below 20 per cent for all goods and services that could come under GST. However, the exact percentage is not yet fixed.

Barring liquor, the State GST Bill 2017 will cover all goods and services, at below 20 per cent and will empower the State government to impose it in all such goods and services across the State. Several legislators mentioned that they were unaware of the contents of the Bill and it would affect the economics of the State. Speaker KB Koliwad said that a workshop will be conducted, if possible on this Thursday, to enlighten the legislators about the Bill.

A revised Bill with regard to tax for the sales of aircraft fuel and other petroleum products to be increased to 35 per cent, from the earlier 30 per cent was also tabled.

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