Odisha GST Bill passed in special session

Bhubaneswar: The special session of Odisha Assembly on Friday passed the state Goods and Service Tax Bill-2017 and the Odisha Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2017.

The GST bill was unanimously passed through a voice vote in the House.

The Odisha Value Addeed Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2017 allowed the state government to impose VAT on six items-five petroleum products and liquor.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik thanked the members of the House for passing the bills.

Finance Minister Shashi Bhusan Behera said GST will unify at least 17 central and state taxes together and bring improvement in tax reforms.

“GST will help extend tax network and bring improvement in the tax administration,” Behera said.

Leader of the Opposition Narasingh Mishra suggested sending the bill to the select committee for wider scrutiny.