Including fuel-prices under GST will bring in rational tax-mechanism: Pradhan
What's the story
Amid an uproar over higher fuel rates, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday said the inclusion of petroleum products under the ambit of the GST will bring the products under a rational tax mechanism. Currently, prices of petrol and diesel are linked with the international market. So whenever crude petroleum rates in the international market increase, fuel prices in India go up too.
Consensus
States building consensus slowly to bring fuels under GST purview
To bring fuel prices under a rational tax mechanism, Pradhan said his Ministry wanted petroleum products to be included under GST. Several suggestions have already been made to the GST Council, he said. Pradhan said states had an apprehension of losses earlier, but now that the GST is giving benefits, a consensus is building in this direction slowly.
Blatant lie
Rahul wants to create trouble in society: Pradhan
Reacting to Rahul Gandhi's statement on PM Narendra Modi, Pradhan said it was very irresponsible act on the part of Congress President. Gandhi had recently blamed Modi for his silence on alleged atrocities on Dalits and "dilution" of SC/ST Act. "Gandhi has been speaking blatant lies in public forum and wants to create trouble in society, which is not acceptable," Pradhan said.
Reservation
Pradhan on the BJP's views on reservation
Quoting the BJP President Amit Shah, Dharmendra Pradhan said the party is in favor of reservation and it will not let anyone end the system. He further said that the BJP organization in Odisha has become stronger and the way it is being strengthened, in the next elections the BJP will come to power in the eastern state.