On GST's first anniversary, PM hails it as tool of growth, simplicity & transparency

It has been a year since the new tax regime was rolled out and the government is celebrating it as GST day.

File Image: PM Modi and Union minister Arun Jaitley, who was the finance minister when GST was rolled out

New Delhi: On the completion of one year of the Goods and Services Tax reforms that were introduced after a long phase of deferment and contradictions last year, the government is celebrating GST day today. The government is to mark the celebrations at the Ambedkar International at 11 am. On the first anniversary of the GST regime, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the tax as a tool that has brought growth, simplicity and transparency. "It is boosting formalisation, enhancing productivity, furthering 'Ease of Doing Business', benefitting small and medium enterprises," the prime minister tweeted.

GST has brought growth, simplicity and transparency. It is:

Boosting formalisation. Enhancing productivity. Furthering ‘Ease of Doing Business.’ Benefitting small and medium enterprises. #GSTForNewIndia pic.twitter.com/IGGwUm59rB — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 1, 2018

Then finance minister Arun Jaitley tweeted:"1st July 2017 marked the introduction of #GST in India, a historic & game changer reform. #GSTAtOne year has resulted in increased formalisation and greater tax compliance. On this landmark day, I convey my best wishes to people, state governments & officials."

1st July 2017 marked the introduction of #GST in India, a historic & game changer reform. #GSTAtOne year has resulted in increased formalisation and greater tax compliance. On this landmark day, I convey my best wishes to people, state governments & officials.

— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) July 1, 2018

In his recent Mann Ki Baat radio address, Modi had described the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a fine example of cooperative federalism. He had termed it as a "festival of honesty" which has ended 'inspector raj' in the country. In a series of tweets, the prime minister also greeted doctors on Doctors' Day. "Theirs is one of the noblest professions of humanity. It is gladdening to see Indian doctors distinguishing themselves globally and being at the forefront of path-breaking research and innovation," he said. He also wished Chartered Accountants on CA Day. "Widely recognised for their work and emphasis on corporate governance, the CA community has a vital role in nation building. May the CA community keep contributing towards India's growth," he tweeted. (With inputs from PTI)