Trade bodies have welcomed most of the announcements in the state budget but are disappointed that no announcement was made for forming a state-level committee for representation in GST Council.

S Rethinavelu, founder and president, Agro Food Chamber of Commerce and Industry, welcomed the 10,500 crore allocated for food subsidy in PDS. “Budget will lead a vivid growth line clubbed with balanced growth of Tamil Nadu. Agro Food Chamber insists on serving millet-based food either in the breakfast or in the noon meal to all children to ensure health security. This will also increase the revenue of farmers and processors in the food sector,” he added. But, he said they are unable to ventilate their grievances faced due to the confused and complicated enforcement of GST. “Hence, we request the CM to form a ‘GST High Level Advisory Committee’ under the leadership of finance minister with representatives of trade and industry to discuss and decide the points to be placed before the GST Council,” he added. Tamil Nadu Foodgrains Merchants Association Limited welcomed the reduction of the state’s revenue deficit as it showed that the state is being developed in all sectors. “But, no announcement on the Samadhan Scheme is a disappointment. Many states have introduced and collected taxes under this,” it said.

N Jegatheesan, president, Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, urged the CM to conduct World Investors Conference 2024 in Madurai to promote trade and industry in south Tamil Nadu. “However, the non-announcement of underpass project to be implemented for the expansion of Madurai airport runway is disappointing,” he added.

Source: The Times of India
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/trade-bodies-upset-over-silence-on-gst-advisory-panel/articleshow/98847353.cms