Time for an apology

"The chief economic advisor of the government, working with experts, including state government representatives, arrived at an RNR of 15% to 15.5% and then suggested that the standard rate should be 18%. The Congress party did not pluck 18% from the air.

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This 18% came out of your report..."

"...somebody must speak up for the people. In the name of the people, I ask you to keep this rate at the rate recommended by your CEA, namely, the standard rate should not exceed 18%..."

"...just read paragraphs 29, 30, 52 and 53 of the report. It categorically argues...a standard rate of 18% will protect the revenues of the Centre and states, will be efficient, will be non-inflationary, will avoid tax evasion, and will be acceptable to the people of India... If you are going to charge 24% or 26% on goods and services, why bring a GST Bill at all?..."

"Eventually, you have to put a rate in a tax Bill. I, on behalf of my party, loudly and clearly demand that the standard rate of GST, which applies to most of the goods and services, over 70% of the goods and services, should not exceed 18% and the lower rate and the demerit rate can be worked on that 18%."