Page 74 - NIS - English,16-30 September,2022

Cover Story Sankalp Yatra of New India

89 GST IMPLEMENTED ARTICLE 370 90

ARTICLE 370
After a long discussion, the Narendra Modi
government implemented Goods and Services ABOLISHED FROM
Tax (GST) for the entire country. JAMMU AND KASHMIR
n The journey of the reform process to implement
an indirect tax regime is long. Many previous Prime Minister Modi's government in
governments had made efforts for this. After its second term took the most historic
PM Modi's government assumed charge decision to abolish Article 370 from Jammu
of the country it became a priority for the and Kashmir. Also, Jammu and Kashmir,
government. The Union cabinet approved and Ladakh were divided into two union
122nd Constitutional Amendment for making territories.
GST a reality. The then Finance Minister Arun n Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the
Jaitley introduced the GST-related Amendment resolution to remove Article 370 and the
(122nd Constitutional Amendment) Bill in the reorganisation bill of Jammu and Kashmir
Lok Sabha. The GST Council was constituted in in the Rajya Sabha. With this, Article 370
September. After a long journey of 17 years, the was abolished by issuing a notification. This
biggest tax reform in the country to date, GST article provided special status to Jammu and
came into effect on July 1, 2017 Kashmir.
Significance- It is considered the biggest .n Significance- After this decision of the Modi
.n
financial reform after liberalization. After the government, one country, one legislation,
implementation of GST, the monthly household and one symbol came into force in Kashmir.
expenditure per household has come down by The people of Jammu and Kashmir and
up to 4%. Ladakh started getting the benefits of central
schemes.

India's heritage on Indian soil...

India is known for its n Only 13 idols could be brought back until 2014. However, 228

rich heritage, cultural stolen artefacts have been returned to India since 2014. These
traditions, and diversity. include 29 artefacts brought from USA after PM Modi's visit to
However, this heritage 91 the country in 2021 and 157 after his visit to Australia in 2022.

has received such India now has 40 sites on the list of UNESCO World Heritage
Sites. Ten of these have been added since 2014. 49 additional
priority for the first time sites are under consideration.
in the last eight years.
Whether it is to reclaim
the country's lost or

stolen heritage or to
prioritise the global
forums of its heritage.

72 New India Samachar September 16-30, 2022