Launch of GST on 1 July 2017
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was officially launched at midnight on 1 July 2017 by the President of India and the Government of India.
The launch was marked by a symbolic midnight session held from 30 June to 1 July 2017 at the Central Hall of Parliament. Both Houses of Parliament were convened for this special occasion.
The GST launch ceremony was attended by several distinguished dignitaries from the business and entertainment industries.
Special Midnight Session of Parliament
The midnight session organised for the launch of GST was one of the few midnight sessions held by the Indian Parliament.
Other important midnight sessions mentioned in the provided content were associated with the declaration of India’s Independence on 15 August 1947 and the Silver and Golden Jubilees of Independence.
| Occasion | Significance |
|---|---|
| 15 August 1947 | Declaration of India’s Independence |
| Silver Jubilee of Independence | Commemoration of 25 years of Independence |
| Golden Jubilee of Independence | Commemoration of 50 years of Independence |
| 30 June–1 July 2017 | Launch of GST |
Exam Point: GST was launched through a special midnight session at the Central Hall of Parliament on 30 June–1 July 2017.
Opposition to GST Launch
The GST launch ceremony was boycotted by several opposition parties. The opposition expressed concerns about the possible impact of GST on middle-class and lower-income groups.
The Indian National Congress, described in the provided content as the largest opposition party at the time, strongly opposed the tax and boycotted the GST launch.
Members of the All India Trinamool Congress, Communist Parties of India, and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam also joined the boycott.
Concerns Raised by Opposition Parties
The opposition parties argued that there was very little difference between GST and the existing taxation system. According to their argument, the government was largely rebranding the existing tax structure rather than introducing a completely different taxation system.
They also expressed concerns that GST could increase tax rates on common daily-use goods while reducing rates on luxury items.
According to the opposition, such changes could adversely affect middle-income, lower-middle-income, and poorer sections of the population.
These concerns were among the major reasons for the boycott of the GST launch ceremony.
Key Points
- GST was launched at midnight on 1 July 2017.
- The launch was conducted by the President of India and the Government of India.
- A symbolic midnight session was held from 30 June to 1 July 2017.
- The special session was held at the Central Hall of Parliament.
- The GST launch was one of the few midnight sessions held by the Indian Parliament.
- Other midnight sessions mentioned in the content relate to India’s Independence on 15 August 1947 and its Silver and Golden Jubilees.
- The GST launch was boycotted by the Indian National Congress and other opposition parties.
- The Trinamool Congress, Communist Parties of India, and DMK also participated in the boycott.
- Opposition parties expressed concerns regarding the impact of GST on middle-class and lower-income groups.
- They argued that GST could increase tax rates on common daily-use goods while reducing rates on some luxury items.
Quick Revision Summary
GST was officially launched at midnight on 1 July 2017 through a special session at the Central Hall of Parliament. The session was one of the few midnight sessions in the history of the Indian Parliament. Several opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress, Trinamool Congress, Communist Parties, and DMK, boycotted the launch due to concerns about the possible impact of GST on middle-class and poorer income groups.