Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on September 6 passed the Arunachal Pradesh Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023 by voice votes, paving the way for a “smoother and hassle-free tax administration” in the state.
Hailing passage of the AP Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2023 with an overwhelming support in the house, chief minister Pema Khandu said: “It is a significant step towards having a more efficient tax administration under the GST framework. This will have a positive impact on the state’s economy and will facilitate its integration into the national tax system.”
Deputy chief minister and minister in-charge of tax, excise and narcotics, Chowna Mein, while moving the bill for consideration and passing, said: “It is mandatory on our part to amend the Arunachal Pradesh Goods & Services Tax Act, 2017 as done by the central government and other state governments, by enacting Arunachal Pradesh Goods & Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023.”
The present bill has 26 clauses amending various sections of the Arunachal Pradesh Goods & Services Tax Act, 2017 either for inserting some new provision, substituting some existing provisions or for omitting some provisions.
“Certain changes have been made in the APGST Act on the basis of recommendations made by the GST Council, focusing on the taxation of casinos, horse racing and online gaming. These changes will come into effect from October 1, 2023,” the deputy CM said.
While noting that GST has been a landmark reform of Independent India showcasing the spirit of cooperative federalism, Mein said: “We can now take pride in a fully IT-driven and progressive GST regime that has fulfilled the cherished dream of India as one market – one tax.”
“GST revenues are buoyant despite the COVID pandemic. Taxpayers deserve applause for this growth. Not only did they adapt to the changes but enthusiastically contributed to the cause by paying taxes,” Mein said.
He added that the APGST Act, 2017 was enacted with a view to make a provision for levy and collection of tax on intra-state supply of goods or services or both by the government of Arunachal Pradesh.
“GST is administered by both Centre and state, and so any change or amendment required in the act has to be carried by both Centre and state. The GST legislative changes recommended by the GST Council and vetted by the Union law ministry have been promulgated by Finance Act, 2023,” deputy CM Chowna Mein said.
