Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Economics

Chapter

Macro Economics: Government Budget and Economy

Question:

Read the passage carefully and answer the questions based on the passage:

GST: One Nation, One Tax, One Market

Goods and Service Tax (GST) is the single comprehensive indirect tax, operational from 2017, on supply of goods and services, right from the manufacturer/ service provider to the consumer. It is a destination based consumption tax with facility of Input Tax Credit in the supply chain. It is applicable throughout the country with one rate for one type of goods/service. It has amalgamated a large number of Central and State taxes and cesses. It has replaced large number of taxes on goods and services levied on production/ sale of goods or provision of service. Under GST, the tax is discharged at every stage of supply and the credit of tax paid at the previous stage is available for set off at the next stage of supply of goods and/or services. It has replaced various types of taxes/cesses, levied by the Central and State/UT Governments. Under GST, there are six standard rates applied on supply of all goods and/or services across the country. The 101th Constitution Amendment Act introduced Article 246A in the Constitution cross empowering Parliament and Legislatures of States to make laws with reference to Goods and Service Tax imposed by the Union and the States. GST has simplified the multiplicity of taxes, facilitated freedom of movement, created a common market in the country, standardized laws, procedures and rates of taxes across the country, aimed at reducing the cost of business operations and cascading effect of various taxes on consumers. It has also reduced the overall cost of production, which will make Indian products/services more competitive in the domestic and international markets.

Under Article 246A, which was not enacted for GST?

Options:

Central Goods and Service Tax Act.

Integrated Goods and Service Tax Act.

States Goods and Service Tax Act.

Regional Goods and Service Tax.

Correct Answer:

Regional Goods and Service Tax.

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (4) → Regional Goods and Service Tax.

GST is the biggest tax reform in the country since independence and was rolled out on the mid-night of 30 June/1 July, 2017 during a special midnight session of the Parliament. The 101th Constitution Amendment Act received assent of the President of India on 8 September, 2016. The amendment introduced Article 246A in the Constitution cross empowering Parliament and Legislatures of States to make laws with reference to Goods and Service Tax imposed by the Union and the States. Based on this, the following acts were enacted:

  • Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act – by the Centre

  • State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) Act – by individual states

  • Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Act – for inter-state transactions

However, there is no such law as "Regional Goods and Services Tax" under the GST framework. Hence, it was not enacted under Article 246A.