The Rajya Sabha on December 2 returned the Manipur GST Bill to the Lok Sabha, moving the state a step closer to joining the nationwide GST 2.0 reform framework. The Lok Sabha had passed the bill a day earlier. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the legislation would finally extend long‑delayed financial benefits to Manipur’s businesses and people, strengthening revenue mobilisation in the conflict‑affected state.
Sitharaman criticised the Opposition for avoiding parliamentary debates relating to Manipur, accusing them of shedding “crocodile tears” while staying absent from discussions. She said GST 2.0 measures—including track‑and‑trace systems and rationalised tax slabs—would modernise Manipur’s tax structure and simplify compliance. During the debate, BJD MP Sulata Deo urged the early lifting of President’s Rule and the conduct of elections. YSRCP MP Ayodhya Rami Reddy Alla supported the bill, noting that reduced compliance burdens would allow Manipur to align with national economic growth.
He highlighted that while violence had decreased over the past decade, renewed ethnic tensions since 2023 underscored the need for stability.Nominated member Harsh Vardhan Shringla said the updated tax regime would attract investment and support Manipur’s economic recovery. The bill now awaits final approval in the Lok Sabha.
