There is a need to think from the industries point of view before fixing tax rates under Goods & Services Tax (GST), said Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Finance, Government of NCT of Delhi.

He said many decisions are being taken not by keeping industry at the centre stage but by keeping tax machinery at the centre stage. This needs to be changed, he said.

Sisodia was speaking at an event organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry on GST.

He said India is one of the few countries which has kept real estate out of GST ambit. He said Delhi Government had objected to that.

He said the issue of dual control will not be easy for small businesses doing business in small town and rural areas.

Sisodia also declared that dual control of GST also defeated its intended objectives and sought more intense consultations on the issue in future course of GST Council, arguing that the objective of the GST should be consumer and traders oriented and it should not entirely aim at raising taxation with higher rates.

 “Consumer durables such as TV, Mobiles, electric appliances and host of similar such articles should not be taxed luxuriously.  That is our view and we will continue to articulate them whenever necessary in the interest of Aam Aadmi though the GST tax rates have yet to be finalized”, said Sisodia.  (Watch his Full Speech) (KNN Bureau)