Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi has raised concerns over the GST amendment bill presented in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. She alleged that the bill would harm small traders while benefiting large businesses affiliated with the BJP.
GST Bill Controversy: A political storm has erupted over the GST amendment bill introduced in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi government minister Atishi has reacted bly to the bill. She has alleged that the amendment will hurt small traders and directly benefit large BJP-affiliated businesses.
Atishi's Statement on Social Media
On Friday morning, Atishi posted on social media platform 'X' (formerly Twitter) stating that several traders and businessmen from Delhi had contacted her regarding the GST amendment bill. These traders expressed concerns that the new provisions would increase the financial burden on small traders.
She wrote, "The GST amendment bill was presented in the Assembly yesterday. This morning, many traders and businessmen came to meet me. They said that these amendments will cause a lot of trouble to small traders, while the big friends of the BJP are being benefited. I will raise this issue in the Assembly today."
Traders' Concerns and Potential Impact
Small traders in Delhi say that some provisions of the GST amendment will make compliance difficult for them. This could affect their day-to-day business.
These traders believe that large businesses have resources, legal, and financial assistance to easily implement any new rules. Whereas small traders are already struggling with inflation, recession, and competition. In such a situation, these amendments will make it even more difficult for them to run their businesses.
Aam Aadmi Party's Stance and Strategy
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has made it clear that it will raise this issue vigorously inside and outside the Assembly. Atishi says that this is not just an economic issue but a matter of 'policy bias'. She alleges that this bill has been deliberately brought to benefit some large corporate houses. Atishi also said that she will raise the voice of traders during the discussion on this bill in the Assembly and ensure that the interests of the public are not ignored.
AAP's Opposition to the School Fee Regulation Bill Too
Along with the GST amendment bill, Atishi also criticized the School Fee Regulation Bill presented by the Delhi government. She termed it 'anti-parent and pro-management'.
Regarding this bill, Atishi and other AAP MLAs have proposed four important amendments:
- Making audits of private schools mandatory.
- Ensuring elected parent representation in management committees.
- Simplifying the process of filing complaints.
- Giving the right to challenge the decision of the school fee committee in court.
Preparing for a Heated Debate in the Assembly
As the leader of the opposition in the Assembly, Atishi directly attacked the BJP. She said that BJP MLAs will have to clarify whether they stand with the millions of parents in Delhi or with the profiteering management of private schools.
She also alleged that many schools in Delhi had arbitrarily increased fees in April. Inhumane steps such as removing students from classrooms and locking them in libraries were also taken. In such a situation, this bill seems to be an attempt to give more power to the school management.
AAP Leaders' Sharp Attack in Press Conference
At a joint press conference with AAP leaders Sanjeev Jha and MLA Kuldeep Kumar, Atishi questioned the government's intentions, saying that both bills are against the interests of the public. She said that the purpose of both the GST amendment and the school fee bill is clear - to benefit selected large sections instead of the public.
