PM Modi lauds GST reforms in his 45th Mann Ki Baat address

As the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform is set to complete one year in July, PM dubbed the event as "the victory of honesty".

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in the 45^th episode of his talk show Man Ki Baat where he laid emphasis on the success of the GST reform. As the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform is set to complete one year in July, PM dubbed the event as "the victory of honesty". "GST is to complete one year. People's 'One Nation, One Tax' dream has now been changed into reality today. For this, I give credit to the states. "GST is the best example of cooperative federalism. As all the states took a collective decision for the welfare of the country, such a big tax reform could be delivered," Modi said in his "Mann ki Baat" speech. He said IT had replaced Income Tax officials through the GST as everything from return to refund was done through IT. The Prime Minister said there were no checkposts now and the inflow and outflow of products had increased because of the GST. "GST not only helped in saving time it also helped in the field on logistic." He lauded Afghanistan’s debut test match and appreciated Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan as well. He said: “few days back a historic event took place in Bengaluru,yes I am talking about the India-Afghanistan test match. We should be proud they played their first match vs India. Rashid Khan is an asset to the world of cricket, he was very good in IPL also.” Modi was heard appreciating people’s initiatives on the International Day of Yoga marked countrywide on June 21. He said that it was a matter of great pride for the Indians to witness our armed forces perform yoga on land, sea & sky - in submarines; on the snowy mountainous terrain of Siachen and even in mid-air, some 15 thousand feet above the earth. (Inputs from agencies)