Mumbai, Aug 30 (KNN) The Maharashtra Assembly has unanimously ratified the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Constitutional Amendment Bill, joining a clutch of states which have already approved the legislation that will pave the way for roll-out of a single and unified tax system in the country.

Both Houses of the legislature met for a special one-day session to approve the Constitution (122nd Amendment) (Goods and Services Tax) Bill, passed by Parliament earlier this month, during which Opposition and treasury benches traded charges.

After passage of bill, state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that autonomy of states will not be in danger due to GST, in fact it will lead to more integration between states as desired by our constitution.

CM assured that all Municipal Corporations would get their proper share of revenue including Mumbai and interest of local bodies will be protected.

He hoped that GST will definitely cut barriers and it will provide level playing field for all and it will also end tax evasion.

Maharashtra, an economic powerhouse, became the 10th state to ratify the crucial legislation, billed as the biggest tax reform since Independence.

So far 10 states including Assam, West Bengal,  MP, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi have ratified the GST Constitutional Amendment Bill.

Once 16 states ratify the Constitution amendment, and the President notifies it, the stage will be set for formation of the GST council, which will be the authority on deciding rates. Once the rates are decided, the upper limit will be included in the bill that will be moved in the Centre. (KNN Bureau)