Assam

Assam becomes first state to ratify GST Bill

Question: Which of the following state became the first state in the country to ratify the constitution amendment bill on the Goods and Services Tax (GST)?
(a) Assam
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Karnataka
Ans: (a)
Related facts:

  • Assam on 12 August 2016; became the first state in the country to ratify the constitution amendment bill on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as the assembly unanimously passed the bill.
  • It may be recalled that the Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill for GST was passed by the Lok Sabha on 8 August 2016, with 443 members present in the House voting in favour of the legislation.
  • At least 50 per cent of the states have to pass what is technically the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Second Amendment) Bill, 2014, for the next steps of legislative action to follow, to ultimately introduce a pan-India Goods and Services Tax regime.
  • The deadline for the rollout of the GST is April 1, 2017.

Reference:
https://twitter.com/sarbanandsonwal/status/763984865255526400
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/assam-becomes-first-state-to-ratify-gst-bill/article8980777.ece
http://www.patrika.com/news/miscellenous-india/assam-becomes-first-state-to-pass-gst-bill-1374206/