Poor Net connectivity won’t hamper GST: Minister

NEW DELHI: The poor internet connectivity in Meghalaya will not hamper implementation of the Goods and Services Tax as internet is required only at the time of registration, said Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Monday.
The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) said a number of easier options are being worked out to mitigate the problems arising out of weak connectivity.
Low internet connectivity even in the city makes it difficult for consumers to opt for digital platform and also hampers government schemes.
Singh also said a two-day training programme for officials in the North East is being conducted on regular basis in Shillong for smooth implementation of GST.
Addressing the officials of the DoNER Ministry and Delhi-based Resident Commissioners of eight  northeastern states, Singh said GST will bring down taxes on several goods.
“Contrary to the perception (about rise in prices), the rollout of GST from July 1 will bring huge relief to the poor and the lower middle class by resulting in a tax rate lower than the present one,” he added.
A wide range of items, like milk powder, spices, tea, wheat, rice, domestic LPG, insulin and X-ray films are some of the items to have a lower tax rate, the minister pointed out.
Singh explained that in case of some items, where apparently the tax rate has gone higher, the fact is that earlier these items had embedded taxes. “On the other hand, there are also certain goods where GST imposes ‘zero’ tax,” he said.
For the convenience of traders and others, during the initial transition period, GST will be filed for first two months up to August 20, then again by September 20 and eventually every month as per norm. The new registration will open from June 25.
“Officials who are well-versed in GST and its rollout procedure, should in turn function as resource persons and collaborate with the GST Commissioner offices across the country, including the North East, in conducting awareness and assistance programmes for businessmen, traders, members of the industry and other stakeholders. An identical programme like the Shillong camp is also being currently carried out at Faridabad,” Singh said.