Speeches – Page 3 – Gopal Krishna Agarwal

GST Is Not Just a Tax Reform But Is a Social Transformation

July 19, 2017

By Gopal Krishna Agarwal,

Nitial anxiety apprehension with regard to GST rollout is largely owing to lack of awareness and information about the new tax regime. The Apprehension is with regard to its implementation. People are worried about how they will be registered, how they will be registered, how they will avail benefits of input tax credits, the anti profiteering clause and how the reduce taxes shall be passed on to the consumers. These are concern that are being addressed through processes of instructions and consultations. I myself am travelling to many places for awareness programmed. They will be many regional meetings with trade bodies and professionals to create awareness about GST.

This is not just an economic measure. It means a social reform by ushering in a more transparent, tax complaint society. For the consumer, It would reduce prices of manufactured goods, for the government it would mean increase tax collection and fiscal consolidation and creation of a much simpler system to administer through GST network (GSTN).

The experience of demonetization shows that popular sentiment in India is for a transparent corruption free economy where opposition to a tax complaint regime is waning with the time.

Conceptually, no one has a problem with the GST. It does away with the multiplicity of tax structures subsuming 18 central, state and local taxes. It results in a reduction of indirect taxes for the consumer; it creates ease of doing business by online registration, filling of returns and assessments. It is the only mechanism through which we can create one tax one market. We are looking at an objective, online transparent and complaint tax system.

For the businessmen who are already registered under excise or VAT, the migration is simple and online. Once registered they have to only capture transaction carefully at the point of supply with full details. Rest; returns, input tax credit etc. will be automatically extrapolated by the GSTN.

Traders etc., whose turnover is below 20 lakh, are exempt under GST. Those traders and manufactured etc.

Facts on Demonetisation And Road Map Ahead

January 15, 2017

By Gopal Krishna Agarwal,

The recent announcements on demonetization have a created a new dimension in the economic ecosystem of the country. There is a debate in the country, whether it will have us in curbing corruption and eliminating black money in circulation. What will be its impact on the economy in the short medium and long term; particularly in the important segments like rural and agriculture sector, micro small and medium enterprises and unorganized sector like small traders shop owners & daily wagers etc. But Bing Bang reforms require this we are moving towards new revolution of Digital Economy. Demonetization has to be seen in a larger prospective.

Bringing economic growth to the country and curbing corruption and elimination of black money were the two important mandates on which our government came to power. Some of the important aspects that have to be kept in mind are.

According to the World Bank report 20% of wealth is stashed across all assets class i.e. Real estate gold and currency etc. Global Wealth report 2016 shows that 1 % of population has more than 58% of the wealth of the country. In the concentration of wealth India ranks 2^nd after Russia across globe.

97% of our population is having wealth of less than $ 10000 i.e. approximately Rs 700000. Cash currency ratio to GDP of 12% in India is very high compared to international standards. Budgetary resources of the government are very limited planned expenditure of approximately Rs 5.5 lakh crore is not enough for the government to undertake infrastructure developments and meet social security requirements.

Every citizen of the country is paying taxes in the form of indirect taxes but if it is properly accounted for it is not reaching government revenue coffers proper recording of transaction in system is necessary.

Demonetization cannot be analyzed in isolation. It is a part of the series of measures under taken by Shri Narendra Modi’s government since it inception keeping in mind the above ecosystem. The very next day Shri Modi came to power a special investigation team (SIT) was set up to suggest steps to curb corruption from the country. Starting that day several steps have been taken by the government to achieve these objectives.

1. Foreign illegal assets declaration scheme.

2. Renegotiation of bi lateral treaties with Mauritius, Cyprus and Singapore where most of the hawala transaction were taking place.

3. Treaty with America for sharing of financial information under FATCA.

4. Initiatives with OECD and G20 countries for information exchange.

5. Income disclosure Scheme (IDS).

6. Passing of Benami Properties Act.

7. Amendment to prevention of corruption Act and Placing of Whistle blower protection Act in the current session of parliament.

8. Now Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan yojana has been announced for penalizing those who deposit black money in the Banking channels.

9. In last two and a half years about 92 senior officials have been penalized for corruption which is much more than such as action in the past.

Demonetization is part of the larger plan of eliminating black money and fight corruption. It is the part of the whole process to create an ecosystem of equal and transparent opportunities for economic growth to the common men in all segments of the society across all segments of the society across all geographical areas.

Benefits of Demonetization

Due to huge currency in circulation economy was having inflationary pressure and value of housing etc. was getting out of common man’s hand. Demonetization will reduce prices in real estate and bring down inflation further.

2. Bring resources to the government for social benefits schemes for the poor and low income groups and infrastructure development in particular in the rural sector.

3. Helping us to move towards low interest rate economy with loans for housing sector poor and rural sector of society at lower rates.

Create infrastructure for smooth implement of GST, which in turn will help us reducing indirect taxes.

2. Curbing terrorist activities and other criminal activities like Maoist insurgency and extortions in north eastern area etc.

3. Removal of fake currencies in circulation.

4. Lower cost of transaction (cost of online payments and mobile banking are much cheaper).

5. Many awareness programs and incentives by the government on online payments.

6. Higher tax compliance. Third quarter tax collection reports shows. 26% increase in indirect tax collection 15% increase in direct tax collections.

26% increase in indirect tax collection, 15% increase in direct tax collection.

The government is well aware of the liquidity crunch, but this will be sorted out by 30^th December. We are asking people to move toward less cash economy through online payments and mobile banking but we will do this through creating awareness and not make it compulsory. Government will bring liquidity back into the system, but with reduction to about 8 to 9% of GDP.

The Government is well aware that, there is a chance that these squeezes in liquidity can affect the economic activities in the country.

The government has a roadmap to revitalize the Growth of GDP.

1. The current account and savings accounts deposits (CASA) of banks will increase. This will reduce their cost of funds and will also result in increased availability of funds.

2. Focus on credit off take through startup, standup mudra loans to medium and small sector and rural sectors of economy at reduced rate of interest.

3. Real estate price to fall further and with fall in rate of EMI, Housing will come with in the reach of the common man and will boast construction industry.

4. With more tax compliance Government can move towards lower of rates of taxation, and create premium on honesty.

5. With the black money in circulation not coming to the banking channels, can bring several benefits to the economy. But all this will be achieved only when black money is not recycled.

6. Through increased tax collection and enhanced resources Government will go for huge capital investments and social sectors spending to improve quality of life of the common men and catalyze growth.

7. Implementation of GST (which will lead to low indirect taxation) requires right ecosystem, the government is creating an atmosphere so that transactions are recorded properly and transparently.

8. With supply of black money being checked, Government will go for electoral reforms for curbing use of black money.

Economic Implication of PM Modi’s Foreign Policy

September 15, 2016

By Gopal Krishna Agarwal,

There is no doubt that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been able to leverage India’s economic advantages to improve international relations and vice versa. His government has recognized that the country’s leverage is dependent primarily on the size of Indian economy, its growth trajectory and the ability of the strong government at the center to address challenges.

India’s ambition to become $10 trillion economy and to create 175 million jobs by 2032 will depend on the internal reforms initiatives. Linking India’s Foreign policy to domestic transformation, his policy seeks to attract foreign capital. The policies are geared towards regional stability, peace and prosperity. Some important issues such as climate change, conservations of water resources, renewable energy, robust economy defense procurement and manufacturing, which have simultaneous risk and opportunities, are Modi ji ’s vision for a modern India.

Along with this the personal rapport established by PM Narendra Modi with international readers have significantly enhance India’s profile and given it a confidence never seen before ; even to the extent of balancing superpower to our own advantages , as can be seen from the recent G20 Summit. There was visible tension between the US & China, but both were at ease and supportive of India’s concerns. India Cushions itself from not becoming marginalized in the larger US-China context. Beijing has committed S20 billion investments in India in many Industries. The US is also supportive of all over initiatives.

Modi ji has been successful in overcoming doubts in the minds of the international community that India will realize its true potential of economy power. He has removed apprehensions with regard to corruption, transparency, ease of doing business and commitment to reform in tax laws, corporate law, resource allocation, government clearances, removal of bureaucratic hurdles and retrospective taxation. Two major apprehensions under UPA regime. Policy paralysis and large scale corruption have been effectively checkmated. Government has embarked on economic growth with initiatives such as Make in India; Digital India; Smart Cities: Clean India; Clean Ganga; Ease of Doing Business, Tax reforms such as GST; Bankruptcy law; and project clearances & revival of stalled projects. India has become one of the most open economics with regard to FDI policy.

In International Business arena; over the years, bilateral trade relations and agreements have gained enormous significance than multilateral pact such as WTO, GATT, etc. It is becoming more and more difficult to bring developing countries to common agreeable points at multilateral platforms and therefore small trade blocs such as ASEAN, SAARC, BRICS AFRICAN Nations and bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) have gained prominence.

Modi ji has very well leveraged this to India’s economic and strategic advantage. Over the span of two years, He has visited more than 42 countries and held bilateral talks, focused and nurtured new developmental and economic blocs. His initiatives for Act East Policy, connecting Bhutan Bangladesh India Nepal (BBIN) through GPS and common licensing policy building a road corridor from North East to Myanmar etc., are commendable.

Bilateral initiatives

Quickly ratified the long pending Land Border Dispute Agreement (LBA) and the Maritime Boundary dispute with Bangladesh. Government has been wise to fast track India’s developmental projects in Afghanistan. India’s participation in the development of the chabahar port a trilateral pact to build a land transit and trade corridor through Afghanistan are stepping stones for bigger future involvement. His visit to Iran shows the understanding of the changing context of Iran, which is now a stable and resourceful country and important for our energy security. India- Japan relation are at an all time high in the joint statement of India and Japan 2025- India side expressed hope to attract $5.5 billion of investments and support in our infrastructure development. Building Good rapport with German Chancellor Internationally, Germany is the key provider of high end technology and has surplus capital investment. Even for National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) we can learn a lot from the river Rhine experiment; In Partnership with France, India has established the International Solar Alliance with head office in Gurugram (Haryana). This alliance has the membership of 120 countries for better harnessing of the solar power potential. Modi ji reconnect to Central Asia is crucial; Uzbekistan has strong cultural ties. Turkmenistan is rich in energy there is huge hydro potential in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan has historical significance.

Arica offers India a massive opportunity to expand our global economic footprint. The continent is an important market for Indian economy. The 54 African states have a combined GDP which is slightly larger than that of India. The third India Africa Summit in New Delhi in November 2015 had a focus on this engagement. Another important visionary step was leveraging powerful Indian diaspora across the world, in the process empowering them in their own countries, as well as coordinating with them for advocacy and influence for better diplomatic and economic relations with India PM Narendra Modi’s visit to United Arab Emirates (UAE), Seychelles, Mongolia and Fiji has given fillip to Indian exports, Direct connect with NRIs was very innovative, the first such gathering of 15000 NRIs was at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden in Beijing he attracted a crowd of about 5000 people at Wembley Stadium over 60000 people gathered, Similar was the case in Australia, Inward remittance flows to India, according to the World Bank, totaled S72 billion in 2015, Making India the largest remittance receiving country which is about half of our current account deficit.

Some positive results of foreign Policy initiatives India is the world’s top destination for FDI flows in 2015, helping overcome many of its key growth constraints particularly technology , energy and infrastructure attracting investment commitments of close to S20 billion from foreign investors. In 2014 India’s total exports were 20.7 percent and imports were 25.2 percent of GDP. Total trade was 46 percent of GDP, suggesting a moderate degree of integration with the rest of the world. India plans to double its aggregate global trade over the next decade. Our target for 2019 to become the top start up destination in the world, achieve a top 50 ranking in the global ease of doing business, achieve 60 percent digital penetration and increase the share of manufacturing from 16 to 25 percent of GDP by 2022.

Currently, complex project financing services are undertaken abroad. We have to develop capacity to perform international financial services domestically by introducing some innovative Structured Financial Product. Recently The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced ‘Masala bonds’. We have been strengthening the institutional structure for both commercial and strategic engagement with the rest of the world. India has been advocating governance reforms in International Monetary Fund (IMF), The World Bank, Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank and the inter American Development bank An ongoing negotiation for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a case in point. The minister of Commerce has merged two bodies that handle anti dumping and import safeguard actions in the Director General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) for improved and coordinate negotiations. India’s vigorous quest for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership and becoming the member of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) are also very significant. Modi ji has been leading the international debate on many issues- tax information exchange, transparency, corruption we were mostly defensive earlier at G20 summit, He said , G20’s efforts should be for zero tolerance for corruption and black money. Zero barriers and full commitment to action.

Fitting corruption black money and tax evasion were keys to effective financial governance. We need to eliminate safe havens for economic offenders, track down and unconditionally extradite money launderers and break down the web of complex international regulations and excessive banking secrecy that hide the corrupt and their deeds, “PM Modi said. This is the position of strength that we have gained at international forums.

वर्तमान परिपेक्ष्य में व्यक्ति में व्यक्ति एवं सामाजिक जीवन में गौसेवा का महत्व

August 30, 2016

प्रिय बन्धुवर,

सादर प्रणाम

देश में एक बहुत बड़ा वर्ग है जो गौसेवा के लिए समर्पित है और यह धार्मिक दृष्टिकोण पर आधारित है, और दूसरी तरफ कुछ लोगो का मत आर्थिक दृष्टिकोण पर है। इस विषम परिस्थिति का सामंजस्य परिपक्वता से ही होता है जिसमें वैचारिक समरसता की आवश्यकता है। यह सक्षम सामाजिक नेतृत्व द्वारा ही संभव है। जितना इस विषय का राजनितिकरण होगा उतनी ही समस्या और उलझ जाएगी।
पहले कुछ बौद्धिक एवं मीडिया के लोगो ने राजनेतिक उदेश्य से गौसेवा और दलितों के एक वर्ग के कार्यो में विरोधाभास के भावों को उजागर करने का प्रयास किया जिसका दूरगामी परिणाम घातक है। समाज के ज्यादातर कार्यों एवं क्षेत्रों में कुछ न कुछ विरोधाभास तो अवश्य होते है। समाजशास्त्रियों को चाहिए कि इन्हें समन्वित कर के सभी के लिए साथ चलने का मार्ग प्रशस्त करें।

इन्हीं परिस्थितियों का परिणाम हमें नोएडा में भी देखने को मिला। जिसके तहत कुछ पत्रकारों ने विशेषकर दैनिक जागरण के प्रत्रकार ने गौशाला की कुछ समस्याओं को गलत ढंग से पेश किया। समस्याएं अपनी जगह ठीक है। गौशाला प्रबंधन उनका निस्तारण करने में प्रयासरत है। प्राधिकरण भी यथायोग्य सहयोग कर रहा है। हमें विश्वास है कि हम अपने गौसेवा के उद्देश्य में बिना विचलित हुए आगे बढ़ते रहेगें।
आपका सहयोग एवं मार्गदर्शन हमें सतत आगे भी प्राप्त होता रहेगा।

नोएडा प्राधिकरण बाडों से निकले गोबर, गौमूत्र और गंदे पानी के निकासी के लिए नीलियों का निर्माण कार्य शीध्रता से संपन्न करेगें। गौशाला में रोज निकलने वाले गोबर के निस्तारण का भी आश्वासन पाधिकरण ने दिया है। बाडों के बीच में कच्ची मिट्टी पर इंटरलाकिंग टाईल्स भी लगाने का हमने उनसे निवेदन किया है और तालाब की खुदाई भी करवाना है। हमलोग अपनी तरफ से भी इनसभी कार्यो को आगे बढाएगें।

गोपाल कृष्ण अग्रवाल

देश विकास के पथ पर विपक्ष को रास नहीं

October 23, 2015

गोपाल कृष्ण अग्रवाल

राष्ट्रीय प्रवक्ता भाजपा

नई सरकार बने अभी ज्यादा समय नहीं हुआ है, देश की जनता को लगने लगा है कि अब देश की वागडोर एक ईमानदार और विकास पुरूष के हाथ में हैं। जिस तरह से मोदी जी के नेतृत्व ने भारत की विकास दरों को नई ऊँचाइयों पर पहुँचाया उसे देख विश्व के बड़े से बड़े पुँजिपतियों में भारत में निवेश करने की होड़ लग गयी है। इसका प्रमुख कारण भारत की बढ़ती हुई अर्थव्यवस्था, दुसरे और देशों के तुलना में भारत में ज्यादा मुनाफा है और मोदी सरकार की स्पष्ट व्यापार नीति है। यूपीए के समय में व्यापारियों का विश्वास सरकार पर घट गया था, अब मोदी सरकार के समय यह लौट आया है। भारत में पढ़ा लिखा युवा बेरोजगार होकर निराश हो जाता था इस देश में 65 % युवाओं को यूपीए सरकार में रोजगार के लिए दर बदर भटकना पड़ता था। अब उनके लिए नए नए अवसर मिल रहे है। मोदी सरकार उनके लिए एक वरदान सिद्ध हुई है। हर क्षेत्र में विकास का डंका बज चुका है जिससे विपक्ष के होश उड रहे है। उनकी राजनीति दाव पर लगी है उसपर विराम लग चुका है, उन्हे भारत का विकास हजम नहीं हो रहा है। कांग्रेस 65 साल के बाद अब विकट स्थिति में है, अलग – अलग दावपेंच अपना रही है। दुनिया को तो भारत का विकास दिख रहा है पर राहुल गांधी जी को भारत की बढ़ती विकासदर दिखाई नहीं देती है।

1980 में अमेठी के किसानो की 65 एकड जमीन कांग्रेस ने हड़प ली, और किसानो से कहा कि वो साइकिल फैक्ट्री बनायेंगे, लोगो को रोजगार देंगें। और अब सच्चाई ये है कि आज भी उस जमीन पर ना तो कोई कारखाना लगा और न ही किसी को रोजगार मिला है और तो और उस जमीन को राजीव गांधी ट्रस्ट को दे दिया गया है। कांग्रेस का इतिहास देंखे तो एक के बाद एक घोटाले देश के सामने उजागर हुए। जनता का पैसा लूट कर पार्टी के राजनीतिक हलकों में पहुंचा दिया गया जिसकी वजह से देश की अर्थव्यवस्था चरमरा गई।

अभी हमारे सामने बिहार का महत्वपूर्ण चुनाव है। बिहार में इस बार विकास के लिए मतदान होगा। जातिवाद को खत्म कर विकास की राह पर चलने का फैसला बिहार की जनता का स्पष्ट दिख रहा है। जनता की बदलाव की इच्छा इस बार की बढती वोटिंग प्रतिशत से साफ नजर आ रही है। विधानसभा के पहले चरण में जनता ने लगभग 57 % मतदान किया है। जोकि 2010 में 50.85 % था। दुसरे चरण में 55.14 % मतदान किया। जोकि 2010 में 52 % था। पहले चरण में महिलाओं में अधिक उत्साह दिखा करीब 59.5 % महिलाओं ने मतदान में हिस्सा लिया है जबकि 54.5 % पुरूषों ने मतदान किया है। महिलाओं का अधिक मतदान करने का एक महत्वपूर्ण कारण है कि पूर्व में बिहार में जिस तरह से ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में शराब के लाइसेंसों में वृद्धि हुई है उससे महिलाएं परेशान है। एक दशक पहले 779 शराब के लाइसेंस थे और अब संख्या 2360 की हो गयी है जनता दल की सरकार में शराब से राजस्व की हिस्सेदारी 2007 में 10.38 से बढकर वर्ष 2014-2015 में 18 % हो गई है जिसको लेकर ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में शराब बिक्री के खिलाफ महिलाओं के द्वारा वर्ष 2012-13 में दुकानों पर धरना देने के कई उदाहरण आपको मिल जायेंगे।

नीतीश जी के राज्य में विकास का जो वादा था वह भी नहीं दिखता है। भागलपुर से पटना शहर को जोडने वाले 80 किमी. के राष्टीªय राजमार्ग पर किसी का ध्यान नहीं है। नीतीश कुमार की सरकार ने वर्ष 2005-06 में एक लाख करोड़ के निवेश और जो 2350 मेगावाट क्षमता वाले एनटीपीसी थर्मल पावर स्टेशन का वादा किया था आज 10 साल बाद भी कुछ नजर नहीं आता है। औद्योगिक परिदृश्य मुंगेर, बेगुसराय, समस्तीपुर, गया जैसे शहरों में बहुत अलग नहीं है। समस्तीपुर में चीनी मिल बंद होने से 2000 परिवारों का रोजगार छिन गया है। जनता को इस बार विकास के लिए मोदी सरकार पर भरोसा है। लालू जी को तो सिर्फ जातिवाद और गौमांस जैसे मुद्दे पर राजनीति करना है। अभी उन्होने बीफ पर जो एक विवादित बयान दिया है कि, हिन्दू भी बीफ खाते है, ऐसा कहना हिन्दू समाज के लिए बडी पीडा देने वाली बात है। एक बात हमें ध्यान रखनी है। कि हिन्दू समाज गाय को पूज्य मानता है इसलिए गौमांस त्याज मानता है। दूसरी तरफ मुस्लिम सुअर को गंदा मानते है इसलिए उसके मांस का भक्षण नहीं करते। दोनो में वैचारिक असमानता है जिसके कारण गौमांस और सुअर के मांस भक्षण में भेद है।

साहित्यकारो के अवार्ड लौटाने पर भी चर्चा जोरो पर है। यह एक विशेष विचारधारा के लोंगो के घटते प्रभाव के मद्ददेनजर हो रहा है। साहित्यिक क्षेत्र का राजनीतिकरण नहीं होना चाहिए। विचारों में बदलाव एंव प्रगति ही जीवन का लक्षण है। किसी एक विचारधारा विक्षेष का प्रभाव सामाजिक जीवन पर नहीं रह सकता है। बदले राज्य परिपेक्ष्य में नई विचारधारा सामने आयेगी ही।

gopal.agarwal@bjp.org