Modi reviews GST roll-out, calls it a ‘turning point’ for economy

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reviewed the status of Goods and Services Tax (GST) roll-out from July 1 and described it as a “turning point” for the economy, an official statement said.

“The Prime Minister asserted that the implementation of GST from July 1 is the culmination of the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, including political parties, trade and industry bodies,” the statement said.

At a review meeting with officials here, Modi described the GST as a turning point for the economy, unprecedented in history.

He said that the creation of ‘One Nation; One Market; One Tax’ would greatly benefit the common man.

The Prime Minister directed officials to pay maximum attention to cyber-security in IT systems concerned with the GST.

The meeting, which lasted for over two and a half hours, was attended by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and top-most officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Cabinet Secretary.

In the course of the meeting, the Prime Minister specifically reviewed aspects of implementation such as IT readiness, HR readiness, training and sensitisation of officers, query handling mechanism, and monitoring.

Modi was informed that GST systems such as IT infrastructure, training of officials, integration with banks, and enrolment of existing taxpayers will be in readiness well in time for the July 1 implementation date.

IANS