New Delhi, Nov 30 (KNN) In an attempt to reassure the different stakeholders of the economy amidst continued reports of complications under the newly implemented Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the country, Minister of State for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla recently said that in few months from now things will show easing up making GST a good and simple tax. He further said that the steps taken by the government falls in line with keeping the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) a top priority.

He further said that the different issues regarding the new taxationa are already under the light of the government and the GST council have time and again been improving upon them.

Shukla made the following remarks addressing the 116th annual session of the Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Kolkata.

Hinting towards a timeframe, he said that by March next year, the taxation is likely to become smooth and simple.

Commending the steps undertaken by the GST council he said that now monthly returns have been changed to quarterly return filing.

The response from the Minister comes at a time when different sectors of the economy have already raised alarm bells over the slowed business post implementation of the GST.

The textile sector earlier this week held a press conference raising concerns over the impact of GST on the garments and made up sector.

Apparels & Manufacturers Association (AEMA),Garments Exporters Association (GEA) and Textile Cluster (OGTC and Noida Apparel Export Cluster (NAEC) on Tuesday jointly organized a press conference highlighting the impact of GST on the Apparel Sector consisting primarily of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) due to reduction in drawback and RoSL (Rebate of State Levies)in New Delhi.

Also with regard to the complications in obtaining refunds, different sector including the MSME exporters continue to face difficulty in availing refunds. While on one hand the government notified that the delay is due to the problems in filing the claim, MSME exporters say that the industry is already in a state of panic. (KNN/DA)