The union government is abiding by the target date for implementing the goods and services tax (GST) to ensure that it is applicable from April 1, 2017 across India, Minister of State for Finance, Arjun Ram Meghwal said at an ASSOCHAM event held in New Delhi recently.

"I can assure you that 1st April, 2017 is the target date for implementing GST in India and we are abiding that particular target and I can assure that 1st April 2017, GST will be applicable in the country," said Meghwal while inaugurating an ‘ASSOCHAM Global Investors' India Forum.'

He said that all the issues relating to the states - whether pertaining to the standard rate, area-based exemption, product-based exemption, slab in the GST rate all will be decided in the GST Council after detailed discussion with the states.

"We will deliberate the issues and definitely decide in the interest of the nation," said Meghwal.

The Union Minister added that the GST is a major initiative that can take India's GDP growth to double digit level i.e. up to 10 per cent from current level of over seven per cent.

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