(MENAFN- KNN India) MSMEs not ready with basic requirements for GST; it's an 'ill planned launch', says Mamata
Kolkata, June 29 (KNN) Terming GST implementation from July 1 'an ill- planned launch, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised concerns over non-preparedness of MSME entrepreneurs to shift to the new tax regime.
Banerjee, through a Facebook post, has conveyed her deep concern about the implementation of the GST.
Banerjee said small business entities are not yet ready with the basic requirements like invoice, accounting system, IT system, etc. Another piece of evidence of unpreparedness comes from the fact that the ‘Return Form' had to be simplified for the first 6 months as all systems are not in place.
It is shocking that the e-Waybill System is not yet designed and States are being asked to run their own systems as a stopgap arrangement, she noted.
'We feel, at least 6 months will further be necessary to notify all rules and procedures and give enough time to the stakeholders, particularly the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to successfully implement the GST, she said adding otherwise a chaotic situation may arise in our vast economy for which the Government of India will be primarily responsible.
In her post, West Bengal CM said, 'Afterdemonetisation, this unnecessary disastrous hurry is another epic blunder of the Centre. We have been for GST from the beginning but are very worried now with the way the Central Government is going ahead with the implementation.
She said her party has been repeatedly suggesting taking some more time to properly implement GST but this she said 'have fallen on deaf ears.
The entire business community, especially the small and medium ones, are scared and confused, she said.
With hardly few hours left before this ill- planned launch and no one knows for sure what's happening!, she wrote in her Facebook post.
Essential commodities such as medicines are not available in many places and prices of various commodities are rising for lack of clarity and mismanagement, she said.
Banerjee further wrote, 'We have always been fighting for maintaining the federalist structure of the country, even if Bengal at times was the lone voice and conscience of the GST Council. There are almost 20 different taxes in the present tax regime and we felt that one single tax and integration of all markets across the country will provide a big relief to all.
The current ruling party at the Centre had initially strongly opposed the GST for over 7 years and suddenly did a somersault on coming to office as a champion of GST, she said.
The West Bengal Chief Minister said the economy is not yet ready to face the GST from the 1st of July, 2017.
'The 3 days' strike declared by the textile industries of India provides evidence ofour deep concerns on the lack of preparedness, she said.
She said her Parliamentary Party has decided not to attend the 30th June, 2017 midnight programme at the Parliament House to celebrate GST, as a mark of protest. (KNN Bureau)
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