Lok Sabha Clears Manipur GST Reform Bill

Lok Sabha Passes Manipur GST Reform Bill

Why in the News ?

The Lok Sabha has passed the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025, replacing an existing Ordinance. The session saw repeated disruptions as the Opposition demanded a debate on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across several States.

Lok Sabha Clears Manipur GST Reform Bill

Key Highlights of the Manipur GST Bill Passage:

  • The Bill replaces an earlier Ordinance that introduced reforms in Manipur’s GST framework, ensuring alignment with national GST updates.
  • Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Bill following one round of uproar from Opposition benches.
  • A statutory resolution moved by RSP leader N.K. Premachandran to disapprove the Bill was rejected by a voice vote amid protests.
  • The Bill was taken up and passed post-lunch, even as Opposition members continued slogan-shouting and occupied the Well of the House.
  • The House also witnessed routine procedures, including condolences for former MPs and congratulations for India’s women sportspersons who won major global tournaments.

Parliamentary Disruptions Over SIR Issue

  • The Opposition demanded a dedicated debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls underway in nine States and three Union Territories.
  • They alleged misuse of the revision exercise and raised concerns over citizenship verification, leading to continuous sloganeering.
  • Speaker Om Birla attempted to conduct proceedings, including the Question Hour, but disruptions persisted.
  • The House had to be adjourned multiple times—first till noon, later till 2 p.m., and finally for the day.
  • Despite disruptions, additional Bills were introduced, including one on excise duty on tobacco products and another for a new cess on pan masala manufacturing, along with supplementary demands for grants for 2025–26.

Understanding GST and Parliamentary Procedure:

●      Goods and Services Tax (GST): A unified indirect tax system under Article 246A, enabling both Parliament and State legislatures to make GST laws.

●      GST Amendments in States: States pass their own State GST Acts, aligned with national reforms recommended by the GST Council (Article 279A).

●      Ordinance Route: The President can promulgate an ordinance under Article 123 when Parliament is not in session; it must be replaced by a Bill.

●      Voice Vote: A quick method to decide a motion based on vocal support, used when detailed counting is unnecessary.

●      Special Intensive Revision (SIR): Conducted under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, to update and verify electoral rolls intensively.