December 19, 2014
Derek O’Brien makes an intervention on GST | Transcript
Trinamool Chief Whip in Rajya Sabha, Derek O’Brien today asked the Union Finance Minister to clarify on the compensation for States for any loss of revenue due to GST.
Transcript of Derek O’Brien’s intervention on GST
An Empowered Committee of Finance Ministers of 29 States was put together and the Hon’ble Finance Minister gave them a patient hearing and a lot of time, those including my State.
Sir, the question is, after that the Empowered Committee of Finance Ministers was given assurances; they had 2-3 very key points. The first point was compensation on CST, which was due to them, and there was the other point on petrol, aviation, etc.
Sir, will the Hon’ble Finance Minister please enlighten me and clarify to me, that after these Finance Ministers were promised another meeting, whether that meeting took place or only two-three ministers – the Finance Minister of Gujarat, the Finance Minister of Punjab – were called and the meeting was held? The other Finance Ministers are feeling slighted before this bill comes on, Sir, because they still would have some issues. I would feel happy if the Hon’ble Finance Minister clarifies.
Sir, there is also the issue of Rs 73,000 crore left over from the CST. Will the Finance Minister consider addressing that, Sir?
Derek O’Brien’s reaction to the Finance Minister
I posted two straight questions to the Finance Minister to which he replied with a humorous one-liner, but it was bereft of facts.
