Daijiworld Media Network

Jun 30: Despite all the fanfare and zeal in the BJP camp over the launch of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on midnight of June 30, a minister in the cabinet of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath seemed to be caught off guard when asked the full form of GST.

The incident took place in Maharajganj where Social Welfare, Scheduled Castes and Tribal Affairs Minister Ramapati Shastri was called to create awareness on GST among local businessmen. However, when a reporter asked him to expand the full form of GST, he turned blank and fumbled.

Though someone in the background prompted the minister, he still could not pick up the hint. He later tried to cover his mistake by saying that he is aware of the full form but was not able to instantly recollect. "I am gathering more information about GST by studying relevant documents," he added.

Just two days ago, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a workshop for his cabinet ministers to explain the fundamentals of GST. He directed the ministers and senior officials to conduct symposiums and create awareness about GST among people.

The State GST Bill was tabled in a specially convened session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on May 15. Later, a workshop was held to apprise all legislators of the salient features of the proposed legislation on GST.