Rajya Sabha passes bill to facilitate rollout of GST; AIADMK only party to oppose measure with its members staging a walkout.

The Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, 2014 was approved by the Upper House with 203 votes in favour and none against, after a seven-hour debate during which a rare bonhomie was witnessed among the ruling and the opposition parties.

Six official amendments, including scrapping of one per cent additional tax, moved by the government were approved with cent per cent votes.

The lighter side of the debate came during clause by clause voting as the results showed different numbers everytime. Finally the Bill was passed as amended with 203 in favour, none against.

The AIADMK was the only party to oppose the measure and its members staged a walkout ahead of voting.

As it happened :

9.42 pm: Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11 am on August 4, 2016

9.41 pm: Secretary General starts the voting for another division: The number of votes moves to 203. So the final number is 203...

>#RajyaSabha passes The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) Bill, 2014 paving the way for the >#GST >pic.twitter.com/KmKqenBD0E — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

9.40 pm: Another division in the Rajya Sabha for another clause. It is back to 200.

9.39 pm: It is back to 203 votes.

9.37 pm: Secretary General starts the voting for another division; Back to 198. Quite interesting. PJ Kurien states that some magic is happening in the Rajya Sabha.

9.36 pm: Another division; Once again the votes move up to 203.

9.35 pm: The votes back to 200

9.33 pm; Now the votes have decreased to 198.

9.30 pm: Now it is back to 203 votes.

9.29 pm: Another division takes place in Rajya Sabha. Now it is back to 202.

9.27 pm: Wow. It has now increased to 205.What's happening in Rajya Sabha

9.26 pm: It is back to 200 now

9.25 pm: The number of votes has now come down to 202.

9.23 pm: The number of votes gone up again to 203

9.20 pm.: By every clause the number of voters is increasing from 197 to 201

9.13 pm: The House now votes clause by clause of the GST Bill

9.12 pm: Rajya Sabha passes clause 2 of the amendment GST Bill

9.11 pm: the House is voting on clauses

9.10 pm: Subbirami Reddy's amendment defeated by voice vote

9.08 pm: Rajya Sabha passes GST Bill

9.05 pm: Secretary General of Rajya Sabha explaining the voting procedure for the members.

9.03 pm: Voting underway in Rajya Sabha on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) Bill, 2014; members being told to go back to their seats.

9.01 pm: Let the lobbies be cleared, says Kurien; Venkaiah says no division.

8.58 pm: Congress sticks to position to bring GST Bill as a money Bill. Jaitley stands his point

8.57 pm: PJ Kurien puts the GST Bill to vote.

8.56 pm: If Jaitley does not want to take this House into confidence on deciding the type of the bill, it means he intends to bring it as a money bill, says Kapil Sibal.

8.52 pm: There is no assurance that Jaitley will not declare this as a money bill, says Jairam Ramesh

8.51 pm: Chidambaram says, "there is nothing in the Constitution that obliges him to bring it as a money bill." He adds "In the interest of the country, please bring it as a financial bill."

8.50 pm: Arun Jaitley says "we will fully comply with the Constitution".

8.47 pm: Arun Jaitley replies to the query of Derek O'Brien.

8.46 pm: Chidambaram appreciates the ending words of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. GST Bills will not be brought as money bills, says Mr. Chidambaram.

8.45 pm: Derek O' Brien of TMC seeks clarity on dates

8.44 pm: AIADMK walks out of the Rajya Sabha before the voting takes place. The party will be abstaining from voting.

8.42 pm: We must have a uniformed tax structure, says Arun Jaitley

Sh. Arun Jaitley’s reply to the discussion on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/IpD3VvZ1LA via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

8.37 pm: Arun Jaitley speaks on AIADMK's objections.

8.35 pm: Arun Jaitley said "we didn't want confrontation on GST Bill"

8.30 pm: Arun Jaitley answers to a query asked by the former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram

8.25 pm: Chidambaram's remark "clumsy drafting" is too extreme, Jaitley says.

8.20 pm: To implement the GST is a headache and being a former Finance Minister is a luxury, he says. Explains why Modi opposed it in 2011. Says put the 2011 bill before States not one State will agree, he says. Provision for compensation was not there in the 2011 bill, he says.

8.15 pm: There will be no cascading effect of tax on tax, says Jaitley. In Consumer Price Index basket 55% items are tax-exempt, 32% are at a low rate, only 12 % at a standard rate, he says.

8.09 pm: Powers of Parliament not taken away, powers of State Legislatures also not taken away, both retain their sovereignty, he says. GST council will recommend items to be kept in list and the ones to be removed, he says.

8.06 pm: Standing Committee suggested new system that States will have two-thirds and Centre has one-third. It will be half-truth to say Centre has a veto. States too have a veto with the quorum being 75 per cent members agreeing, he says.

8.03 pm: GST regime will see a pooled sovereignty, where Centre and State will sit together for the purpose of tax, he says. The Union of States cannot exist without the union. It is not a confederation of States, he says.

8.01 pm: Jaitley rises to reply to the debate. Says except one all parties supported the bill. Demand for him to speak in English. Kurien rules he can speak in any language. Jaitley changes to English.

7.59 pm: Kurien gives Kerala's Abdul Wahab (IUML) a wildcard chance to speak. Kerala is losing Rs. 3,000 crore.

Sh. Abdul Wahab’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/gqkNk47Sd5 via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

7.57 pm: Derek O' Brien alleges that CPM has been given more time. Kurien says he was liberal as it was a very important discussion.

Rajya Sabha Monsoon Session - 240 | Time slot: 19:50 to 19:59 | Aug 3, 2016: >https://t.co/kZ6h49OLBg via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

7.45 pm: It's unfair to says Congress is anti-GST, says Anand Sharma. Our demands are most reasonable, he says. We didn't draw the GST cap from air, but it's compatible with global tax rates. When the law is made it should be in the form of financial bill, he says.

Sh. Anand Sharma’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/8VYhpsZrDx via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

7.35 pm: There was political opposition, not based on principles, to the GST bill... from Gujarat, from M.P., says Sharma. Arguments were put forward that the GST bill was against States.

7.28 pm: Anand Sharma (Congress, Himachal Pradesh) says the GST will usher in transform the way taxes are administered.

7.23 pm: Biswajit Daimary (BPF, Assam) says powers of non-State, non-UT administrative arrangements like Bodoland Council should be spelt out.

Sh. Biswajit Daimary’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/Rlyt10Ckl2 via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

7.14 pm: Prem Chand Gupta (RJD, Jharkhand) says taxation has been exploited by government after government. We are also stakeholders in contrast to the image that GST means this (Congress) or that (BJP). Tells us how regional imbalance will be dealt with, asks Gupta adding that there should be clarity on GST council. Bring this up as a financial bill, says Gupta.

Sh. Prem Chand Gupta’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/qTWPrMjjzE via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

7.12 pm: Ram Kumar Kashyap (INLD, Haryana) says Haryana should not suffer losses as GST seems to favour manufacturing States.

Sh. Ram Kumar Kashyap’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/0x5kSaAb5r via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

7.01 pm: Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena, Maharashtra) says if you can fulfil Congress demands, please take our demands too into consideration. Like all Maharashtra members, Raut too rakes up loss to Mumbai Corporation. GST, which will abolish octroi toll points, will challenge Mumbai's security.

Sh. Sanjay Raut’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/rK57RtOL0y via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

6.54 pm: D. Raja (CPI, T.N.) says we are not clear as we are entering an unknown terrain of the common market. How to maintain about the fiscal federal structure, says Raja, as States are apprehensive about curbing of fiscal powers. No clarity on the GST council, which is stacked in favour of Centre, he says. Please don't curb the discussion as a money bill, bring it as a finacial bill, says Raja.

Sh. D Raja’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/ABXPMX4a9J via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

6.47 pm: Naresh Gujral (SAD, Punjab) says it's the first time the Constitution is amended for economic reform.

Sh. Naresh Gujral’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/Q7SpKqEUtz via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

6.36 pm: Anil Desai (Shiv Sena, Maharashtra) expresses concern about revenue loss for the Mumbai corporation.

Sh. Anil Desai’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/ee3zd45jXA via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

6.30 pm: Narendra Modi should apologise for opposing the GST bill when he was CM of Gujarat, says Narendra Budania (Congress, Rajasthan).

Sh. Narendra Budania’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/t06r4ppjL0 via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

6.25 pm: T.K.S. Elangovan (DMK, Tamil Nadu) speaks. Revenue loss to the States, like T.N., should not add to the financial burden, he says adding a tobacco and tobacco-related products should also be excluded from GST ambit. He too brings up the finacial bill vs money bill issue.

Sh. T K S Elangovan’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/xsn4DcWAQG via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

6.20 pm: M.V. Rajeev Gowda (Congress, Karnataka) speaks, says presence of Manmohan Singh and P. Chidambaram shows continuity of economic reforms. Service sector should not be burdened with higher tax rates. Admin. sector reforms needed, we need a GST Service to deal with the new regime. Ecommerce services should be provided with clarity on what is a service and what are goods.

Sh. M V Rajeev Gowda’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/RKzOUbfLX9 via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

6.17 pm: Lok Sabha has adjourned for the day.

6.14 pm: YSRCP's V. Vijaysai Reddy reiterates demand for special category status for A.P. to offset revenue loss. He says electricity duty should be done away with.

Sh. V Vijaysai Reddy’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/BuYulrdsOG via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

6 pm: Mahesh Poddar speaks on the bill, says it has come at the right time. When we talk about akhand Bharath, then we cannot ignore the dream of an wide market. He concludes with a Kautilya quote: " Praja ke sukh men hi raja ka sukh hai (what is good to the people is good for the ruler too)."

Sh. Mahesh Poddar’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/K03r4VoPlA via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

5.54 pm: P. Bhattacharya (Congress, WB) says BJP should apologise for delaying the bill by opposing it tooth-and-nail when introduced during UPA regime. Wants to know what would be the future of the State Finace Commissions.

Sh. P Bhattacharya’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/XEKaVdcBgZ via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

5.51 pm: Hishey Lachungpa from Sikkim says his State is set to lose due to calculation of per capita income. Hopes Jaitley will address this point. Raises demand for the Rs. 43,000-crore economic package.

Sh. Hishey Lachungpa’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/Qkx7NNCE0W via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

5.47 pm: K. Parasaran speaks on the bill, quotes Valmiki and Kalidasa on taxation. Receives praise from Chair for raising relevant points within time. Kurien says this should be an example.

Sh. K Parasaran’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/AgTsb124YY via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

5.41 pm: As every other speaker is mentioning the GST bill be made a financial bill, and not amoney bill, let's see what this difference is all about.

>> All money bills are financial bills, but all financial bills are not money bills. For example, a financial bill which only contains provisions related to tax proposals would be a money bill. However, a bill that contains some provisions related to taxation or expenditure, but also covers other matters would be considered as a financial bill.

>> The procedure for the passage of the two bills varies significantly. The Rajya Sabha has no power to reject or amend a money bill. However, a financial bill must be passed by both Houses of Parliament.

>> Money bills can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha cannot make amendments to such bills passed by the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha can suggest amendments, but it is the Lok Sabha’s choice to accept or reject them.

>> The Speaker decides whether a financial bill is money bill or not. Article 110(3) states: “If any question arises whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not, the decision of the Speaker of the House of the People thereon shall be final.”

>> Article 110(1) of the Constitution states that a bill can be termed as a Money Bill if it contains “only” six types of provisions or anything incidental to these. Broadly speaking, these include taxation, government receipts and expenditure, government borrowings, and guarantees.

>> Financial bills contains some provisions related to taxation and expenditure, and additionally contains provisions related to any other matter is called a Financial Bill. Therefore, if a bill merely involves expenditure by the government, and addresses other issues, it will be a financial bill.

(Source: The Hindu, PRS Legislative Research)

5.37 pm: BJD's Dilip Kumar Tirkey speaks on the bill.

5.35 pm: States give exemptions sometimes, where tax refunds are available. Will those industries get credit where they have been exempted, asks Nagar. And the final shape of the bill should be as finance bill, not as a money bill, he says.

5.29 pm: SP's Surendra Singh Nagar rises to speak, says small traders won't benefit and servives will become costlier affecting common man. Needs a timeframe for implementation, he says.

Sh. Surendra Singh Nagar’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/k90BEs1ai1 via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

5.25 pm: Ajay Sancheti of the BJP is speaking. Says logistics business will see a revolution.

Sh. Ajay Sancheti’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/bBGCjmKraj via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

5.15 pm: Tankha exemptions will impact the country and first few years of the implementation will be difficult. Reiterates this bill to be treated as a financial bill, not a money bill. No clarity on revenue sharing mechanism, he says.

Sh. Vivek K Tankha’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/0rCKCcPr0K via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

5.11 pm: Congress member Vivek K. Tankha from M.P. speaks. Unless dispute resolution body comes in place, confidence-level will be low, he says.

5.10 pm: Independent member Rajeev Chandrasekhar says GST results in a common market resulting in more jobs, small businesses will find it easy to comply and increase ease of doing business, bring significant benefit to consumers, expand tax base and all this would contribute to make a competitive economy, GST is a consumer- and business-friendly tax regime.

I'm a bit mystified at the cry of the bill being imperfect, he says. GST too will evolve, he says. A less than perfect GST is better that no GST, he says. This year marks 25 years of economic reforms, and GST will lead in the way of much-needed tax reforms, he says concluding his speech.

Sh. Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/E1ColHc78B via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

5 pm: Singular most important economic reform since 1991, says nominated member Narendra Jadhav.

Lists benefits: Simplification of indirect taxes regime, elimination of geographical fragmnetation creating one market, transparency and self-policing helping avoid black money, GDP goes up by 1.5 to 2 percentage points, facilitate tax collection.

It would be naive to believe that GST is a panacea to all our economic ills, he says. Prices of healthcare and clothing will go up at least in the short run. Nevertheless it's a giant leap, says Jadhav.

Dr. Narendra Jadhav’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/sfgmTF7aWo via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

4.50 pm: NCP's Praful Patel says compliance to GST is going to be very challenging. Inflationary pressure will be felt on services.

Sh. Praful Patel’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/glJxYXSV56 via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

4.44 pm: C.M. Ramesh of the TDP speaks on the debate now.

Sh. C M Ramesh’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/thHx6x4mmw via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

4.43 pm: This bill says if there is Constitutional difficulty, the President may modify the Constitution. This is against Art. 368, which lays down how Constitution can be amended. Constitution can be amended only through a special majority of both houses of parliament, says Misra. He concludes his speech asking the government that the assurances should not go the way "as your promises went in the past two years".

Sh. Satish Chandra Misra’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/Gk2Bfm42x6 via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

4.40 pm: As 75% votes in GST council are required for a decision, can an aggreieved State easily get 75% support on an issue, asks Misra ading that since Centre has 33% votes, it alone can veto any decision.

Misra puts forward ceratin demands: The GST bill should be brought as a financial bill, not as money bill; vice-chairman of the council should be of party that is not in power in the Centre

As some States are mentioned for special concessions and some States may be left out, like Jharkhand n Chhattisgarh, which are very backward, he says.

4.30 p.m.: Satish Chandra Misra of the BSP begins speaking. "We need to see if this will affect federal structure and how to overcome it."

4.23 p.m.: A.U. Singh Deo of the BJD speaks now. "Odisha is a mineral rich state. We want the green tax to be removed for states that are rich in minerals."

4.16 p.m.: "We are making a major departure through GST. All bills connected to gst should be brought here. Don't bring them as money bills."

4.15 p.m.: "Dispute resolution mechanism must be spelt out more concretely."

4.12 p.m.: "Third, concrete amendments moved by FM. Why should a tax collected by state not go to consolidated fund of the state?"

4.10 p.m.: "With regressive tax regime, you will increase hiatus between two Indias. Work on a fair revenue rate rather than revenue neutral rate."

4.09 p.m.: "In 2014, an RNR was also calculated at 27 per cent. We opposed it. It would cripple vast majority of people."

4.07 p.m.: "Today, 63 per cent already comes from indirect taxes. We have just 37.5 per cent from direct tax. We are hitting the poor and giving benefits to the rich."

4.05 p.m.: "Ambedkar says in debates that states should be free to change sales tax rates. The centre should not dictate it. He says states should have source of revenue. Some flexibility on states required."

4.01 p.m.: Article 1 says India is a union of states. Federal structure is fundamental to the constitution.

4 p.m.: Sitaram Yechury of the CPI(M) speaks. "P. Chidambaram sounds much better from the other side of the aisle."

3.56 p.m.: "Corruption increases with many tax departments. We have helped bring about consensus. But don't bring the GST bill as money bill. The two houses aren't different. There should be consensus between them."

3.52 p.m.: Sharad Yadav of the JD(U) begins speaking. "Local bodies, villages, cities are in a bad shape. What will be their health after this? Will it improve?"

3.47 p.m.: "We need to implement this on April 1, 2017. I need to put on record the great job done by the empowered committee of Finance Ministers. There are 4-5 nations where elections were won post-GST, some others who lost. It's 50-50. So, don't let elections bother you."

3.46 p.m.: "I would request Finance Minister to clarify why 'full' compensation for states for five years isn't there."

3.44 p.m.: "Mr. Jaitley said countries are thinking how important Upper House should be. This language seems to bulldoze Rajya Sabha."

3.42 p.m.: "18 per cent cannot go into constitutional amendment. This Parliament must debate, deliberate, legislate and also implement."

3.41 p.m.: "Mr. Chidambaram, your colleagues' tactic in select committee was 'go slow' policy."

3.38 p.m.: "They would have won the Olympic medal for ping pong with the way these two parties have played with the GST for the last 10 years." Mr. O'Brien reads out quotes from both parties. "In 2011, Gujarat Finance Minister opposed GST calling it retrograde. What they say depends on where they sit."

3.35 p.m.: Derek O'Brien from the Trinamool Congress begins speaking. "My party is asked whether we support GST. We have been consistent for years. The ruling and opposition parties should be asked this."

3.31 p.m.: "Tamil Nadu is a manufacturing state. We will lose substantial revenue. GST method of levying tax is destination based, not origin-based. So we strongly oppose it. We will lose Rs. 9,270 crore. This is not a small loss. Even after 5 years, centre should compensate states for any loss."

Sh. A Navaneethakrishnan’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/5rSWXZEbgm via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

3.30 p.m.: "Article 368 of constitution (amendment provision) is abused. Bill did not take note of diversity. We want petroleum kept out of GST permanently."

3.26 p.m.: "Federalism is a basic feature of constitution. This Bill violates federalism. It also violates Article 21 of the Constitution. This Parliament hs no competence to bring this Bill violative of federalism."

3.23 p.m.: Navaneethakrishnan from AIADMK begins speaking now. "This constituitonal amendment Bill is not valid. It violates the states' fiscal autonomy. It will give permanent revenue loss to Tamil Nadu. We oppose it."

3.22 p.m.: "Will you impose GST on food products too? Even if you impose 12-14 per cent on food, prices will go up."

3.18 p.m.: "When state GST law comes, if state imposes extra tax (say, on tobacco), will you be able to stop it? Small traders are opposing GST. We have demanded that traders with up to Rs. 10 lakh turnover be excluded from GST."

3.16 p.m.: "States want to be compensated for any loss even after 5 years."

3.15 p.m.: "Will you make GST network such that automatically states' share goes to states? After today, 15 states will have to pass it. But don't make it money bill after that. When will you implement it?"

3.13 p.m.: "If you say we will have to amend constitution if we change rates if we mention it here, cap maximum rates. Let minimumrates vary."

3.11 p.m.: "You kept two-thirds vote of states in GST council. But decision is by three-fourths. So, the centre's veto stays. You didn't cap rate here as you want to increase rate. Why don't you declare cap rate?"

3.09 p.m.: SP's Naresh Agrawal says that the Bill is not what the Select Committee had. "What is the mechanism to resolve disputes between the states and the Centre?"

3.07 p.m.: BJP's Bhupender Yadav says that GST will bring about a change in the country.

2.50 p.m.: "I want an assurance from FM that the GST bill will be brought as financial bill and not a money bill. Both Houses must vote on it."

2.43 p.m.: "If you jack up rate to 23-24 per cent, it will be hugely inflationary. Indirect taxes are 13-14 per cent now."

2.40 p.m.: "In the name of the people, I ask that you keep this rate at the level recommended to you by your CEA. You aren't putting it in constitutional amendment bill. But you must mention it when three months later you bring the GST bill here. We will campaign that it should not exceed 18 per cent."

Sh. P Chidambaram’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014: >https://t.co/SD8A5kqDcK via >@YouTube — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

2.35 p.m.: "We go about this by discovering what is called the revenue neutral rate (RNR). You derive the RNR and from that you fix the slab rates. RNR arrived at was 15-15.5 and then suggested that standard rate be 18. You can then have 18 minus or 18 plus, depending on the goods. We are saying this tax should not be changed by executive whim. Petrol prices change like this. People expect low indirect taxes."

2.31 p.m.: "The heart of this Bill is the rate of tax." The former Finance Minister reads portions from the Chief Economic Advisor's report. "Being an indirect tax, it should be kept as low as possible."

2.29 p.m.: "You must oblige the GST council to set up a dispute resolution authority, ex-ante. I am glad that some strengthening has been done to this provision. But there is still time to strengthen it. The Finance Minister can do so by inrtoducing an amendment during this debate."

2.26 p.m.: "The second major issue is dispute resolution. Dispute resolution between the Centre and a State or between two states or between a group states is not a matter on which the Constitution remains silent. Article 131 makes this very clear. Dispute resolution is judicial power. Time and again judges have said, if you encroach upon our judicial power we will strike it down. The draft circulated was abominally deficient."

2.24 p.m.: "How can you, in a destination-based tax, have a retrograde provision like some states being allowed to impose an additional one per cent tax? The CEA pointed out that this was a retrograde provision and I am happy it was scrapped."

2.21 p.m.: "There are four major issues. First, there are still pieces of clumsy drafting in this Bill. You have made some provisions of what will or will not go in consolidated fund of India in the amendment. This should have been thought of earlier. Revenue must go in consolidated fund. It can't go anywhere else. The draft Bill leaves it unanswered."

2.19 p.m.: "The Congress party was never opposed to the idea of GST. We are not discussing or debating that. It is only the Bill that is being opposed, because we felt that it was possible to have a more perfect bill."

2.18 p.m.: "Between 2011 and 2014 I did what was virtually a char dham. We tried to pass the GST Bill with the support of the principal Opposition party and we failed. In the past two years, the government also tried to pass the GST Bill without the support of the principal Opposition party and I am glad you also failed."

2.16 p.m.: Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram begins speaking. "I welcome the friendly and conciliatory tone of the FInance Minister's speech."

Finance Minister Sh. Arun Jaitley’s comments on The Constitution (122nd Amnd.) [GST] Bill, 2014 >> >https://t.co/QwURPXf4wc — Rajya Sabha TV (@rajyasabhatv) >August 3, 2016

2.16 p.m.: Arun Jaitley moves the GST Bill in the Rajya Sabha.

2.14 p.m.: GST could make some products cost less, says Mr. Jaitley.

2.12 p.m.: Three enabling laws, two by Parliament and one by the State legislature would have to be passed.

2.10 p.m.: As a part of consensus, states felt that consumable alcohol had to be kept out. "The concept of GST council is Indian federalism at play. Two-thirds of voting power in the council belongs to the states."

2.09 p.m.: Finance Minister says that a legislation of this kind can't be based on partisan considerations.

2.06 p.m.: "Empowered Committee of State Finance Minister was consulted from time to time."

2.04 p.m.: "One of the contentious issues was to bring on board states which had reservations."

2.03 p.m.: Mr. Jaitley gives a history of the Bill until now. Read our summation of what happened with the >GST Bill so far.

2 p.m.: Arun Jaitley begins with his speech on the GST Bill. "This is one of the most significant tax reforms in Indian history."

1.18 p.m.: Lok Sabha adjourned to meet again at 2.20 p.m.

1.16 p.m.: CPI-M, Kannur MP P.K. Sreemathi Teacher says that there occurs one rape in every 22 minutes. There are different reasons for crimes against women.

1.14 p.m.: TDP MPs' protests on their demand of special status continues

1.10 p.m.: Speaker Sumitra Mahajan lets MPs speak on farmers' issues with 30 seconds each.

1.06 p.m.: "Minimum Wages Advisory Board's allocation for farmers is a very meagre amount. Their payment should be increased," says BJP MP Satyapal Singh in Lok Sabha.

1.00 p.m.: Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 p.m.

12.57 p.m.: Rajya Sabha discusses cases registered under NDPS Act, 1985, regarding drug abuse during Question Hour

12.56 p.m.: Bhartruhari Mahtab, BJD, Odisha speaks about freedom fighter and Union Minister Late Biju Pattnaik and requests one road to be named after Pattnaik. "During his funeral, the former PM, present PM and future PMs were present and 3 national flags were laid on him during his last rites."

12.55 p.m.: In Lok Sabha, BJP MP Rahul Kaswan from Maharashtra, requests releasing of water for the state.

Vikas Pathak reports from Rajya Sabha:

12.47 p.m.: Minister Kiren Rijiju replies that in the last two years, unprecedented action has been taken by Centre.

12.44 p.m.: PS Bajwa of INC, says, "Three Punjab ministers are alleged to have a part in this smuggling. Get a CBI enquiry into synthetic drug problem."

12.39 p.m.: Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "Home Ministry is taking steps to contain and eradicate this menace. We have strengthened capacity in Punjab and its higher in Punjab than other parts of India."

12.37 p.m.: KTS Tulsi speaks on acute drug menace in Punjab. "It is believed that ministers in govt are involved in smuggling."

12.27 p.m.: During Zero Hour in LS, Daddan Mishra of BJP, Uttar Pradesh discusses the distribution of loans for farmers and asks for extension of deadline for payment of crop insurance premium.

12.24 p.m.: "Employment exchange is always informed whenever there is an opening. Jobs will be given on a regular basis," the Minister of Steel added.

12.18 p.m.: Minister of Steel, Chaudhary Birender Singh, says, "Out of 16,000 families, 7,473 persons have been provided employment."

12.13 p.m.: Kiren Rijiju says, "When investigations are on, it is not proper for me to name a corporate or individual."

12.13 p.m.: Meanwhile in Lok Sabha, on bridge collapse in Maharashtra, Home Minister Rajnath Singh says, "The centre has dispatched two helicopters for rescue mission. He also assured the centre will extend full support to the state govt to overcome the crisis," reports Mehboob Jeelani.

Vikas Pathak reports from Rajya Sabha:

12.12 p.m.: Sharad Yadav of JD(U) says, "125 crore elect govts. Corporates tap phones. Pramod Mahajan's phone was also tapped. Guilty corporates should be arrested."

12.10 p.m.: MoS, Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju says, "It is a serious issue. We have asked Delhi Police to act on all complaints. Special cell has been set up and is acting. Centralised monitoring system is being strengthened."

"Sensitive issues of govt, individuals should not fall into wrong hands," he added.

12.09 p.m.: Sharad Yadav says, "These days anyone's phone can be tapped. Why don't you act against corporates."

12.08 p.m.: Former LoP (now the leader of this house) also had his privacy violated, says Sanjay Rout.

Mehboob Jeelani reports from Lok Sabha:

12.04 p.m.: On MP Bhagwat Mann's conduct of streaming a live video, Sumitra Mahajan says, "The probe is extended by two weeks and Mann has been asked to stay away until the committee drafts its response."

12.01 p.m.: Question Hour comes to an end in Lok Sabha.

11.58 a.m.: "We prepared a complete agenda and sorted all issues out," says Suresh Prabhu in LS, in reply to MPs from Kolkata raising issues of urban development in their state.

11.51 a.m.: Kanimozhi of DMK, Tamil Nadu speaks for bonded labours. "More than 40 years have passed since the law was passed. But they aren't getting any help from the government. Many migrant labourers also have no way to escape."

"2030 is a very very long term and something has to be done now for their rehabilitation."

11.48 a.m.: Renuka Chowdhury of INC says, "Farmers are unable to access loans since the utilisation certificates haven't been disbursed. Not even 30% of the farmers have got any relief."

"They won't be able to purchase fertilisers. As a result, there is going to be a bad kharif season in Telangana."

11.45 a.m.: TDP MPs continue protests in Lok Sabha as MPs place their questions.

11.40 a.m.: Arpita Ghosh of AITC, West Bengal questions in LS the training for the enrolled members under PMKVY.

11.41 a.m: There is a need to evolding development tourism, says Dr. Vinay P. Sahasrabuddhe of BJP, Maharashtra in RS. This would give further impetus at enhancing literacy and knowledge.

11.37 a.m.: "I want to draw the attention of the Home Ministry with regard to trafficking of children. 4700 children missing or untraced in Delhi NCR. Action needs to be taken," says Dr. T. Subbarami Reddy, INC, Andhra Pradesh.

11.36 a.m.: Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Union Minister of State Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) says in LS that PM Modi has given a clear indication that this govt will work for people who are poor, who need assistance.

11.34 a.m.: Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana discussed in Lok Sabha.

11.31 a.m.: Madhusudan Mistry of INC, Gujarat says, "Many dams have been built in the state, but for all those people whose houses that were taken off to facilitate this, have not been provided resettlement. Even though those people left their homes to sacrifice for development projects, they weren't given any assistance by the Gujarat government. I demand justice for those people."

11.28 a.m.: "Last year the Ministry of Agriculture conducted a study and many vegetables and fruits have pesticides. Hope Central govt intervenes and ensures safety in any food item," says K.K. Ragesh of CPI(M), Kerala in RS.

11.27 a.m.: Md. Nadimul Haque of AITC, WB says, "Maggi was banned, but only the state of WB gave it a clean chit after examining it. We need to be strict, but we should not go on a witch hunt."

11.21 a.m.: "PM Narendra Modi has given a way for women in Science and Technology. There is a committee for the same. We've been working and we have given support to many universities for women to come up in their respective fields. Any women-centric issues in the country will be addressed by this department," says Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences

11.17 a.m.: In RS, Deputy Speaker P.J. Kurien asks members to submit notices for discussion.

11.14 a.m.: MPs speak in Lok Sabha amid sloganeering from TDP MPs saying, "We demand special status. We want justice."

11.09 a.m.: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi says we are ready to discuss this issue on crimes against women.

11.09 a.m.: Lok Sabha begins Question Hour.

11.06 a.m.: Ruckus in Rajya Sabha. Jaya Bachchan, SP, Uttar Pradesh raises the same issue, along with various MPs. "We've been asking for many days to discuss the rape in Bulandshahar. We do not want any politicising in this regard."

11.04 a.m.: In Rajya Sabha, BSP chief Mayawati raises crimes against women in Uttar Pradesh.

11.03 a.m.: Various MPs lay their reports on table.

11.01 a.m.: Recently elected MP Dr. Subhash Chandra, Ind., Haryana, takes oath.

11.00 a.m.: Rajya Sabha proceedings begin for the day.