AP State opposes inclusion of petroleum products in GST

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh government has opposed the proposal of the Central government on the inclusion of petroleum products in the GST. Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu on Monday said that Andhra Pradesh will oppose the proposal of the Central government as the State governments would lose their right. 

During a review meeting with officials at his residence on Monday, the Finance Minister said the Union government was working unilaterally and trying to deprive the rights of the State governments. “The Centre is working unilaterally in implementing GST.

There is no proper voting system in GST Council. This is against the federal spirit of India,” he said. Yanamala demanded that the Centre should take necessary steps to amend the Constitution if needed to bring change in the existing voting system in GST Council.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday said that petroleum products would be included under the GST but the GST Council would decide the date from which to bring them under GST.

He opined that the State government officials could also be provided facilities on par with Central government officials to work in GST Secretariat. Yanamala demanded that the Centre should give compensation to the States which lose revenue due to GST, from its revenue resources.

He also wanted the Centre to decrease tax slab rates to reduce the burden on common man. Yanamala said that he would discuss with Finance Ministers of some other States on July 20 over the issues that have to be raised at the GST Council meeting on July 21.