Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Witnesses Ruckus Over GST Bill, Engineer Rashid Marshalled Out

There was pandemonium in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Tuesday over the passage of the state's Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill. While Engineer Rashid was marshalled out, journalists, too, staged a boycott. Here's why.

Written by: Pragati Ratti Sharma

Updated: July 4, 2017, 2:25 PM IST

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Engineer Rashid

Srinagar, July 4: There was pandemonium in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Tuesday over the passage of the state’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill. The National Conference and the Congress staged protests both outside and inside the Assembly, opposing the GST Bill. Independent MLA Engineer Rashid, who was protesting against the GST Bill inside the Assembly had to be marshalled out of the House. The House has been adjourned till 2:30 pm. The NC and the Congress opposed the GST Bill saying it would interfere with Kashmir’s financial autonomy. Outside the Assembly, NC and Congress leaders showed black flags opposing the GST Bill.

Earlier in the day, journalists, too, had staged a walkout from the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, boycotting the proceedings after they were barred from carrying cameras inside during the special session for GST Bill. However, the journalists ended the boycott after the Speaker apologised and allowed them to carry cameras inside the House.

Jammu and Kashmir is the only state left to join the GST regime. The state Assembly is expected to pass the GST Bill by July 6. However, with such scenes inside and outside the House, it will be a challenge for the PDP-BJP government in the state to get all parties on board for GST.

Earlier, speaking on the opposition to GST in Jammu and Kashmir, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said, “GST will be beneficial for people in Jammu & Kashmir. I am hopeful that all political parties would be able to clear their doubts soon. GST would only ensure prosperity for the consumers, traders and businessmen in the Valley.”

The Goods and Services Tax was lunched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee across the nation on the midnight of June 30-July 1. GST was launched at an event in the Central Hall of Parliament, which was attended by dignitaries including Ratan Tata, Reserve Bank of India Chairperson Urijit Patel among others. Opposition parties including the Congress, the Trinamool Congress and the RJD had boycotted the GST Launch event.