|
Dr.
Shome, who is also the co-Chairman of the joint working
group on GST, along with the VAT panel Member-Secretary
Satish Chandra hinted that the proposed GST structure
might have a dual format at the Central and State levels.
“We have in our own mind some ideas... [on] how we might
be able to roll out [GST] or what the overall structure
would be. Let’s hope we can have Central GST and state
GST in dual format,” he said.
The
GST, proposed to be levied from 2010, is to be on all
goods and services at the Central and state levels at a
uniform rate to facilitate better tax compliance and
administration. It is, however, not yet clear whether the
unified levy would have two different structures at the
Centre and the States.
The
movement towards GST by 2010, Dr Shome said, was apace and
it was now for the political leaders to examine the
recommendations and place them for a wider public debate.
He, however, reminded delegates to the conference that a
holistic view of GST was required to be taken by
stakeholders and not just how their immediate business
interests would be affected.
He
underscored the need for a strategic partnership in
taxation between taxpayers and the Government so that a
cooperative spirit prevailed with regard to tax levies and
compliance. This, he said, would minimise litigation and
leave time for serious thinking and judgments on
substantive matters.
Source
: Hindu - Chennai, India, dated 20/11/2007
|
