I am yet to understand GST, says BJP minister Om Prakash Dhurve from Madhya Pradesh

Minister Om Prakash Dhurve admitted that even CAs and businessmen were facing problems in ‘understanding’ the Goods and Services Tax that was rolled out on July 1.

A BJP minister from Madhya Pradesh said he has not been able to understand the Goods and Services Tax (GST) yet during an event on the first anniversary of demonetisation in Madhya Pradesh on November 8.

Union finance minister Arun Jaitley along with MoS for finance Shiv Pratap Shukla and finance secretary Hasmukh Adhia (left) at the 23rd GST Council Meeting, in Guwahati on Friday. (PTI Photo)

Minister Om Prakash Dhurve’s statement comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi exuded confidence over the GST that was rolled out in July 1.

“I am yet to understand GST so I won’t speak about it. Even CAs and businessmen are facing problem in understanding it,” said Dhurve. “Gradually, people will understand and feel relaxed about the step that has been taken up by the government.”

The government decided to slash GST rates of 177 items under the highest 28% slab to 18% at the GST council meeting in Guwahati on Friday.

The meeting, chaired by finance minister Arun Jaitley, is likely to discuss topics such as extended liberalisation given to small traders, rate cuts on air-conditioned restaurants from 18% to 12%, and the issue of ‘benami’ properties.

Since the implementation of GST, the tax brackets have been changed for over 100 items.