GST on Fast Track
THE President yesterday constituted the GST Council with the Union Finance Minister as the Chairperson, in exercise of the powers conferred under Article 279A of the Constitution
In order to ensure that there is no slippage on date of implementation of GST from 1st April, 2017, the Prime Minister reviewed the progress made on various steps needed for the rollout of GST relating to preparation of Model GST laws and rules to be framed, establishment of IT infrastructure for both Centre and States, training of officers of Central and State Governments and outreach for awareness of trade and industry.
Dr. Subramanian Swamy has again written to the Prime Minister:
"You may recall my letters about the GSTN and why it is not in our national interest to pursue it within the present structure set up for GSTN, which involves majority participation by the private sector whose shares are largely foreign owned.
Now I learn that without reference to any expenditure norm, there is a move to grant Rs.300 crores to GSTN by the Finance Ministry. This position of the Ministry of Finance to grant Rs.300 crores was taken without any analysis whether the CBEC cannot perform the same work at much less expense.
The Cabinet may perhaps therefore have the matter fully examined before a final decision is taken in the matter."
Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka made a presentation to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and senior officials of the Ministry on GST Network (GSTN) and the road map for its operationality.
Sikka is reported to have said, "It is going to be a hell of a challenge. We know it is worrying sitting back there, but we are going to be ready."
It certainly is going to be a hell of a challenge. The Ministry of Finance still seems to be using 'Windows 7'. See the monitor in the picture above. The first thing Sikka should do is present them a 'Windows 10'.
CBEC doesn't seem to be a part of the show. But yesterday they issued a letter to all the Chief Commissioners that it has been decided to fill up 02 posts of Commissioners, 04 posts of Additional/Joint Commissioners and 04 Posts of Deputy/Assistant Commissioner in the GST Council's Secretariat. Board wants the applications of eligible (and willing) officers latest by 1pm today. When will an Assistant Commissioner working in Dindigul (in Tamil Nadu) see the Board's letter and how can he send his application through proper channel by today afternoon? Are the selections already over?