In an attempt to get states to implement the Goods and Services Tax (GST) by next April, the Centre has softened its stance on most proposals in the draft Constitutional Amendment Bill that Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee hopes to pilot in the monsoon session.
Congress preparing a dissent note on the issue
The government introduced the 122nd Constitution amendment Bill.
Modi must focus on other state-level reforms, such as those in labour laws, leasing of land and agriculture
State finance ministers' panel to decide on latest attempt at harmonising of views on Constitution amendment.
As corporate India gears up to be GST-ready, the ongoing litigation and tax dispute cases are something most businesses are cagey about.
If you think that revenue officials are going berserk, acting on their own, while the government chants the mantra of 'ease of doing business', you would be wrong. These moves appear to have full official backing, points out Debashis Basu.
The recent 'revelation' by TN fishers freed by Sri Lanka after they had paid up Lankan rupees 50,000 each in fines, that their hair was tonsured in prison and they were forced to remove their garments other than the underpants, and were also made to clean toilets, as if with vengeance, has touched a raw nerve this time, just as another issue or issues had done it ahead of the Jallikattu protests, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.
With the reality of coalition politics staring the BJP in its face, this was inevitable, points out Ramesh Menon.
The government has provided a long-term vision.
Finance minister tries to put house in order before reforms are unveiled in February.
Indian economy about to take-off