Nagpur: The BJP-ruled states are needlessly
opposing the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the
party owes an explanation to the nation for this, said
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Saturday.
"The Union Finance Minister had convened a meeting in
Delhi recently, and the Maharashtra finance minister had put
forth state's positive views about it (GST)", said Chavan,
talking to reporters here.
When European nations could come together for common
marketing of products and adopt a common currency, why this
(adopting single taxation) was not possible in a big country
like India, where every state currently had different taxation
on goods like octroi and VAT, he asked.
"BJP needs to explain this," he added.
Talking about the prestigious 'Multi Modal International
Passenger and Cargo Hub Airport' project in the city, the
Chief Minister said it involved four things to which priority
would be given: rehabilitation of displaced people from
Shivangaon area, transfer of land from Ministry of Defence to
Civil Aviation Ministry, construction of second runway and
change of leadership in the Maharashtra Airport Development
Company (MADC).
On setting up of Maintenance Overhaul Repair (MOR)
depot of aircraft manufacturing major Boeing, which has yet
to start, Chavan said, "Boeing has to come. They have a
commitment here".
On slide in onion prices, Chavan said he had already
written and spoken to the Group of Ministers led by Union
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, and a decision on allowing
exports of onions was expected in a day or two.
On taking action against serving officers who are
involved in Adarsh Housing Scam, Chavan said it would happen
after the Judicial Probe. CBI is already investigating the
case, he added.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, February 12, 2011, 18:06