GST should remain a destination tax, to support poorer states — not be burdened with multiple objectives | The Indian Express

GST should remain a destination tax, to support poorer states — not be burdened with multiple objectives | The Indian Express

Written by Arun Kumar |Updated: May 4, 2019 8:35:38 am

The writer is a former Sukhamoy Chakravarty Chair Professor, JNU

GST should remain a destination tax, to support poorer states — not be burdened with multiple objectives

GST was to lead to the unification of the country and improve ease of doing business. These were all significant political slogans. But they have receded to the background in favour of a more muscular nationalism.

GST collections have risen to a high of Rs 1.13 lakh crore in April. (Representational image)

GST is not being flaunted by the BJP as its major achievement in the ongoing election campaign. It was launched with a special session of Parliament similar to the one at the dawn of Independence. It was billed as the biggest tax reform. It was to lead to the unification of the country and improve ease of doing business. These were all significant political slogans. But they have receded to the background in favour of a more muscular nationalism.