GST evokes mixed reaction in Thoothukudi

Still more clarity required on commodity-wise tax rates

THOOTHUKUDI

Goods and Service Tax (GST) implemented by the Central government after a long wait has evoked mixed reaction among stakeholders here.

Hailing the GST as a welcome move, T. Johnson, president, Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told

The Hindu on Wednesday that it would bring about a change in the market and boost the country’s economy as well. It would certainly benefit those involved in business in a genuine manner, he said.

Referring to the implementation of the GST as a holistic approach by the Centre, P.S.S.K. Raja Sankaralingam, former president, All India Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said prices of many consumer products were expected to go down. However, filing of returns in the new tax regime looked complicated. Officials from the department concerned should organise more awareness programmes on the GST, he said.

As for D.R. Kodeeswaran, secretary, ICCI, food products and vegetable oil should be exempted from the GST. More clarity on taxation for all products was required as many stakeholders had no clear idea of the GST.

The GST was a much expected one, but the government should not burden the people, especially consumers, with higher tax rates, said J.P. Joe Villavarayar, president, Thoothukudi Ship Agents Association. As of now, the maximum tax rate was 15% , but the GST had a maximum rate of 28%. The Ministry concerned should reconsider the tax slabs and limit tax rate to 15%.

Thoothukudi District Tiny and Small-Scale Industries Association welcomed the single-point taxation throughout India with the implementation of the GST, its vice-president K. Nehruprakash said.

Industrial salt should enjoy tax exemption, as edible salt. He wanted the tax filing procedure to be simplified.