West Bengal passes GST Amendment Bill 2024 in sync with Recommendations of Council

West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya presented the West Bengal Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2024 on Wednesday, which aligns the state’s GST system with GST Council recommendations.

The Bill, which was passed by voice vote despite opposition from the BJP, aims to promote small businesses and increase the state’s compliance with the GST Act of 2017.

While tabling the Bill, Bhattacharya emphasised that the revisions were in line with GST Council recommendations, in which Bengal plays an important role.

“Our recommendations have been recognised and incorporated at the GST Council meetings, which include members from both BJP and non-BJP-ruled states,” she stated.

Bhattacharya dismissed all objections from BJP MLA Biswanath Karak as politically motivated. She said, “The opposition to the Bill seems baseless, especially since the Centre itself has supported the state’s recommendations.”

The minister emphasised Bengal’s role in defining national GST policies, stating, “What Bengal recommends today, India adopts tomorrow.”

The amendments aim to provide significant relief to micro and small entrepreneurs by promoting faster compliance and addressing specific issues they encounter under the GST regime.

The opposition, led by BJP MLA Karak, slammed the state’s financial management, stating that every child in Bengal is burdened with debts of lakhs of crores. Karak also said that the ruling party prioritises income from liquor sales above tackling pressing economic issues.

In response, Bhattacharya dismissed the accusation as unjustified, emphasising the opposition’s tendency to focus on obstruction rather than content. Referring to the absence of senior BJP MLA and economist Ashok Lahiri during the debate, she said, “It would have been better if he participated; perhaps he had no objections to the Bill.”

The GST Amendment Bill is in line with the objectives and reasons for the GST Act of 2017, ensuring that the state maintains compliance with evolving national tax laws. The amendments, once passed, are designed to expedite processes, promote economic growth, and provide targeted assistance to small enterprises in West Bengal.

The debate illustrates the ongoing political tug-of-war over state finances, while also reaffirming West Bengal’s commitment to upgrading its GST system.