Final Day of Monsoon Session: FM Sitharaman to introduce Central Goods and Services Tax Amendment Bill

New Delhi, August 11: The ongoing monsoon session of Parliament is poised to conclude on Friday, wrapping up three weeks of intense deliberations marked by confrontations between the Opposition and treasury benches, primarily centered around ethnic violence in Manipur.

Amidst these proceedings, the suspension of Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, also the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is expected to cast a shadow over Lower House activities. Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has convened a meeting with Lok Sabha members of the party to address Chowdhury's suspension. The session is scheduled to convene at 10:30 am at the party's parliamentary office.

On the legislative agenda in the Lok Sabha, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023. This bill seeks to levy a 28 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on online gaming, casinos, and horse racing. Alongside, Sitharaman will introduce the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023, both of which will undergo discussion, consideration, and passage.

Within the Lower House, YSRCP MP Reddeppa Nallakonda Gari is set to propose a private member resolution concerning the 'Beautification and Modernization of Railway Stations under the Adarsh Station Scheme.'

Meanwhile, in the Rajya Sabha, CPI MP Binoy Viswam will present a private member resolution advocating the formulation of a Gig Workers' Rights Bill. This proposed legislation includes provisions for mandatory registration of aggregators and workers, issuance of unique IDs, provision of minimum wages, fees for social security benefits, and the establishment of a Gig-Workers' Welfare Fund under a dedicated board. This board would be responsible for the welfare of gig-workers and their dependents.

CPI MP John Brittas, also in the Rajya Sabha, is planning to introduce a private member resolution aimed at amending Section 18 of the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. The amendment seeks to provide compensation to states for the revenue loss arising due to GST implementation over a ten-year period.

Further, RJD MP Manoj Jha has issued a suspension of business notice in the Rajya Sabha, demanding a discussion on the Manipur situation. He has also called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a statement on the issue in the Upper House. The notice asserts, "The Prime Minister makes a statement on the floor of the house regarding this issue which should be followed by a detailed and comprehensive discussion."

During the recent no-confidence motion debate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to Manipur as "a piece of one's heart" and pledged efforts to restore peace and propel progress in the northeastern state.

The no-confidence motion was defeated in the Lok Sabha as the NDA comfortably secured victory through a voice vote. The motion had been moved by the opposition against the Modi government on July 26 and was deliberated upon by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

Also Read: Congress summons Lok Sabha MPs meeting to address suspension of LoP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury