Union Finance Minister

GST on essential items after states sought levy, aimed to check evasion: Official

The decision to levy the tax, which came into effect from July 18, is not that of the Union government but of the GST Council.

Rahul Gandhi's remarks national disgrace, says Arun Jaitley

"Rahul Gandhi's statement (in the US) is a national disgrace and an onslaught on the wisdom of the Indian people. It is about time the real potential of the Indian democracy is realised. And that can be done only when merit, and merit alone, the ability to lead and the ability to deliver will really determine the leadership," Jaitley told Times Now news channel.

India does not impose partnerships on others: Arun Jaitley

Jaitley compared India's investment in African nations with China and added that India is amongst the most important emerging investors in Africa today.

Jaitley calls for expeditious use of penalising power by ED

Speaking at the Enforcement Directorate Day, he said the interest of the larger public takes a hit when people indulge in non-compliance and hence, the revenue department and the ED have a key role to play to catch offenders. The government, the finance minister stressed, trusts its citizens and allows them to deal in foreign exchange.

Jaitley discusses GST, other economic issues with Maharashtra FM

In the meeting here, representatives of sectors such as shipping and ports, gems and jewellery, petroleum, agriculture and fertilisers and entertainment gave their representations on GST (goods and services tax) to Jaitley.

Industry body urges FM to scrap charge on cash transactions

"Recently, some private and public banks have announced cash transaction charges on their account holders beyond stipulated number of cash transactions," said RCCI president Sameer Shah in a letter to Jaitley.

BJP will repeat its 2014 Lok Sabha poll feat: Arun Jaitley

Addressing the 'Varanasi Vyapari Sammelan' (traders meet) here, he hailed the Central government's demonetisation policy and said the move had won the confidence of many people.

Include all tobacco products in demerit goods category: Experts

In a letter to the Finance Minister, the state-based outfit has pointed out that classifying different products in lower rate slabs will lead to distortion and prompt users to switch to lower priced products including beedis, damaging their health in the process.

NDA govt has not waived a paisa of any industrialist: Jaitley

The NDA government has "not waived even a single paisa" of any industrialist and Rahul Gandhi is levelling "false allegations" in this regard, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley asserted today.

Demonetisation has positive impact, says Arun Jaitley

"Demonetisation was a bold and decisive strike in a series of measures to arrive at a bigger, cleaner and real GDP," Jaitley told PTI at Karnali village, around 72 km from here.

Listing of IRCTC will be a big-ticket item: Arun Jaitley

"Listing of IRCTC will be a big time ticket item and will have huge consequences," a release by RP Sanjiv Goenka group quoting Union Finance minister Arun Jaitley as saying said.

Not all Jan Dhan a/cs were used to launder money: Chidambaram

"Evidences do not point out that there was wholesale use of Jan Dhan accounts for money laundering purposes. Nearly 25 per cent of the JanDhan accounts were having zero balances and in the remaining, the average balance was Rs 27,000," he said at the Kolkata Literary Meet here.

Demonetisation put RBI's reputation at risk: P Chidambaram

Explaining his remark, Chidambaram said: "Reversing the sequence stipulated in the act... instead of Reserve Bank recommending withdrawal of legal tender status for the currency, the government is recommending to the Reserve Bank that legal tender status should be taken away."

Delegation led by Maharashtra CM Fadnavis calls on Jaitley

An all-party delegation from the state, led by Fadnavis, met Jaitley in New Delhi, a statement from the Chief Minister's office said last evening.

Arun Jaitley says printing new notes will take time

â€œIf you need to replace 86 percent of a country‘s cash currency, you have to have a substantial part readyâ€, he said while addressing the inaugural session of HT Leadership Summit 2016.

BJP leader ask PM Modi to allow farmers to use old notes

"Farmers may be allowed to use old currency of Rs 500 Rs 1000 denomination for purchase of seed and fertilizers otherwise it would make adverse impact on production of Rabi crop," the former Uttar Pradesh Minister for Institutional Finance said while talking to a group of reporters here.

Rupani dials Jaitley, RBI chief on co-op banks note swap ban

"Rupani requested them to come out with a solution to the problem and ensure people do not face trouble in withdrawing Rs 2.5 lakh for marriage ceremonies," he said.

Levy 1.25% GST rate on jewellery industry: GJF

A delegation of the jewellers' body today met Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar at Nagpur and submitted its representation on Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Fadnavis urges Centre to increase import duty of soyabean

In his letter, Fadnavis said that the exceptional production of soyabean this season may lead to a dip in its prices and hence increase in its import duty is required.

Amount collected under black money window below expectation:Cong

The government had said Rs 65,250 crore in black money was declared through the one-time declaration window.

Differences on GST remain, states to resolve issues by Nov 22

"The GST council meet was held in true federal spirit. We received two suggestions on the threshold for exemptions," Jaitley said, referring to the firms that will eventually be exempt from the new tax regime based on their turnover. Figures of Rs 10 lakh and Rs 25 lakh are the ones doing the rounds.