New Delhi, July 29 (KNN) Quashing doubts in some sections of trade and industry over consideration of their views and suggestions by the government vis-à-vis Goods and Services Tax (GST), a top Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) official has assured that each and every representation received from trade and industry is discussed and deliberated upon.

“There are various apprehensions in the minds of trade and industry and rightly so because in such a huge country with such diverse trade practices in different parts, that the suggestions and views sent by them may or may not be taken into consideration,” said Mahender Singh, director general (GST), CBEC.

He was speaking at a National Conference on Draft GST Law organized by industry body Assocham on Thursday.

“Being part of the exercise in the CBEC, I can assure you each and every representation received from trade and industry is discussed and deliberated upon, it may or may not be part of the final GST law but with a certain amount of certainty I can say that it is deliberated upon,” said Singh.

“It is considered, discussed and various aspects are taken into consideration and once the final decision is taken that will be incorporated in the final GST law which will come into effect in due course,” he added.

He said that trade and industry had raised various apprehensions as to whether the government would consider their views, suggestions and doubts regarding GST at two seminars that were organised on behalf of the CBEC as an outreach programme in collaboration with state governments, one in Hyderabad and other in Jaipur.

“This is my assurance on behalf of the CBEC and the government that we encourage interaction with trade and industry and we are always willing to listen to their views, suggestions, doubts and apprehensions,” said Singh.

“The government believes that it works for the people, we have to take care of the trade and industry because ultimately you are the one who will be contributing to the national exchequer and the amount of money which is paid by you in form of tax to the central and state governments will ultimately be used for the welfare of the nation, for the growth of industry, economy and welfare of the people at large,” he said.

Highlighting that the model GST law was put in to public domain on June 14, 2016 after taking into consideration the doubts, apprehensions and suggestions of the state governments as well as the trade and industry, he said “Even after that large number of representations and suggestions have been pouring in which is a very-very healthy sign.”

“We have been receiving large number of representations from trade and industry, various chambers of commerce, this is a very healthy exercise and all these suggestions and views will go into making an ideal GST which will come sometime after the constitutional amendment is passed by the Parliament, state assemblies and gets nod of the honourable President,” added Singh.