Manipur GST Bill Passes Amidst Opposition Protests

The Lok Sabha approved the Manipur GST Bill, replacing an existing ordinance amid opposition protests over electoral roll revisions. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted reforms decided by the GST Council, including rate rationalization. The Bill aims to align Manipur's tax laws with these changes, crucial for preventing legislative inconsistencies.

The Lok Sabha on Monday approved the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, replacing a prior ordinance required for implementing GST 2.0 reforms in Manipur. The decision sparked protests from the opposition over separate electoral roll revisions.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the Bill's alignment with decisions from the 56th GST Council, which included tax rate rationalizations from four slabs into two, setting new rates at 5% and 18%, with a special 40% rate for luxury items.

Despite opposition disapproval over the ordinance's promulgation, the Bill was passed by a voice vote, with supporters citing the necessity to harmonize Manipur's laws with national GST changes, crucial under the current presidential rule in the state.