Question: Recently the Union Cabinet has approved setting up of GST Council and setting up its Secretariat. The creation of the GST Council will be don under which of the following article?
(a) Article 288A
(b) Article 280A
(c) Article 279 A
(d) Article 278A
Ans: (c)
Related facts:
- On 12 September 2016 Union Cabinet under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved setting up of GST Council and setting up its Secretariat.
- The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-second Amendment) Bill, 2016, for introduction of Goods and Services tax in the country was accorded assent by the President on 8th September, 2016, and the same has been notified as the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016.
- As per Article 279A (1) of the amended Constitution, the GST Council has to be constituted by the President within 60 days of the commencement of Article 279A.
- The notification for bringing into force Article 279A with effect from 12th September, 2016 was issued on 10th September, 2016.
- As per Article 279A of the amended Constitution, the GST Council which will be a joint forum of the Centre and the States, shall consist of the Union Finance Minister as its Chairperson, The Union Minister of State, in-charge of Revenue of finance and the Minister In-charge of finance or taxation or any other Minister nominated by each State Government as its member.
- The Council will make recommendations to the Union and the States on important issues related to GST, like the goods and services that may be subjected or exempted from GST.
- It will determine the parameters related to the GST.
- Appointment of the Secretary (Revenue) as the Ex-officio Secretary to the GST Council.
- The GST Council Secretariat will have its office at New Delhi.
- The Finance Minister has also decided to call the first meeting of the GST Council on 22nd and 23rd September 2016 in New Delhi.
Reference:
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=149703