DC Edit | Row over GST: Govt, Opp. must unite to find solution

Disruption of parliamentary proceedings for the third consecutive day on Wednesday by the Opposition over the rise in price of essential commodities and the imposition of the Goods and Services Tax on certain food items of mass consumption has little justification not because there is no merit in their arguments but because their modus operandi will defeat their own cause, and thereby, the people’s. The Opposition protests against the newly-introduced five per cent GST on certain food articles and also demands a discussion on price rise. While the government clarified on Sunday, the day before the new tax rates were to take effect, that the new rates will apply only to a certain category of food and not mass consumption items, the finance minister on Tuesday came out with the explanation that pulses, wheat, rice, flour and curd will not attract the new rate when sold loose, and not pre-packed or pre-labelled. The minister also explained that there are several states, including those ruled by the Opposition, which impose various taxes on food items and that bringing a segment of food products will help arrest rampant tax evasion.