Oppn corners Govt on GST
‘PDP-BJP fail to safeguard JK's special position'
NL Correspondent
SRINAGAR: The opposition members of the Legislative Assembly Tuesday cornered the government, saying the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax would erode the special position of Jammu and Kashmir.
As soon as the Legislative Assembly started its proceedings at 10 am, the opposition members stood of their chairs and shouted slogans against the government for not allowing the media to cover the proceeding of the House and failing the “Safeguard” the special status of the state. Following which the Speaker Kavindar Gupta adjourned the House.
The House was resumed at 11:30 when the Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu moved the resolution on the GST. Following which the members took part in the discussion.
National Conference legislator Mohammad Shafi Uri, said the government wants the opposition to support the resolution but “that won't happen”.
“Your resolution is not precisely expressed. Safeguarding the state's constitutional position is not an ordinary issue. You have to tell us how to safeguard the original position,” he told Drabu. “Has any agreement been done between the centre and the state on the issue?” he asked.
He said the central ministers have been repeatedly saying that no amendments can be done on the GST.
“How are you going to safeguard our special position,” he asked the government.
Further, he asked the Speaker whether he had admitted the resolution moved by the Finance Minister. “Give ruling whether the resolution is admissible,” he asked the Speaker.
On this PDP minister, Haq Khan, said the Speaker can accept any resolution that is in the interest of the general public. Shafi Uri replied, “The Speaker can disallow any resolution if that goes against the rules.
On this another PDP minister Abdul Rehman Veeri said the Speaker had already allowed it.
Kavindar Gupta said the Speaker was not bound to give the reasons.
“Is it admissible as per the rules,” the NC legislator asked.
“It can't be questioned. The resolution is within the rules,” the Speaker replied.
Haq Khan said the decision given by the Speaker was as per the rules.
Shafi claimed the BJP led at the centre intended to impose uniform civil code.
He demanded that state should bring its own GST.
“You could have defended but you did not do it. It will weaken Article 370, as well people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh,” he claimed. “Don't make it Jammu vs Kashmir by dividing the people.”
He said the state government won't be having any rights on imposition of taxes once the GST is implemented.
Taking part in the discussion, Congress legislator Nawang Rigzin Jora, said the ruling parties “were violating” the basic constitution by implementing the GST. He asked the government to safeguard the state constitution.
“Money is not important than dignity,” he said. He claimed that GST was to deceive the people.
“This is one nation but multiple taxes,” he said.
He said the uniform taxes were imposed in 150 countries and there has been inflation and increase in profiteering at its initial stage. “But no infrastructure has been made so far,” he said.
After Jora's speech, the House was adjourned till2:30 after MLA Langate Sheikh Abdul Rashid created ruckus. He was also scuffled with marshals who were trying to control the ruckus in the house. However, the NC legislators, Abdul Majeed Larmi and Altaf Ahmad Kaloo supported Rashid after which the House was adjourned.
Devinder Singh Raina said the implementation of the GST was an attack on the JK constitution. “Multiple efforts are being made to change the idea of Indian and JK by certain forces. You can't demolish the idea of JK,” he asked the ruling parties.
He asked the ruling parties to take a consensus decision which will be in the interest of JK.
“House will exist but members will get change. It will remain a testimony who did what and what went wrong. It is a moment to introspect. We have to find a tangible solution,” he said.
He said that efforts were being made to make JK a “theatre for rest of the country”. “We should discuss our issues and politics and not other. Let's not divide to each other.”
He said the government's intent was “well known” by rolling out the GST. “Article 370 can't be changed but such steps would make it hollow. It will be the final nail in the coffin on Article 370.”
“Is centre ready to make the amendment. Will Parliament make amendments on 246 A and 279 A, then I will support it,” he said, while asking the state to make alternate GST in JK.
Congress leader G M Saroori termed it a “black day” in the history of JK. “Tell us what are the safe guards. I will resign if the government of India accepts any of the safeguards,” he said.
Independent MLA Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen said the government should ensure to safeguard the JK special position.
BJP MLA, Ravindar Raina complimented the Finance Minister for helping the centre in framing the GST. “After Arun Jaitlley, Drabu has biggest contribution on the GST.”
Chowdhary Qamar Hussain of the PDP too participated in the debate.
