Don’t leave a legacy of obstruction behind, Arun Jaitley appeals to Congress; seeks support on GST

Narendra Modi-led NDA government is doing everything it can for passage of the GST bill.

In this regard, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley made a strong appeal to the Opposition for the passage of the goods and services tax bill, saying it should be an example of obstruction.

Reaching out to the Congress, Jaitley said the party should think about the legacy it would leave behind by not supporting the measure when there is a need to strengthen the economy to shield it from global headwinds.

"I would urge the current leadership of Congress party also to look at the history and legacy they want to leave behind. Support these measures so that we are able to grow faster. We have more money to grid of poverty much faster. By short-sighted vision, we end up hurting the poor in this country," said Jaitley.

With the passage of GST bill, the government wants to push India’s growth by 1-1.5 per cent.

Jaitley expressed hopes of growth in the current year to be at 7-7.5 per cent and the fiscal deficit at 3.9 per cent.

“With moderately good GDP numbers, fiscal deficit under control, we intend to achieve current account deficit (CAD) at 1.2 per cent of the GDP (in the current fiscal)," said the finance minister.

(Image: reuters)