<center><b>National Conference on GST Friday,20th January, 2017, Hotel Express Tower,R C Dutt Road, Vadodara</b></center><br>
        <center><b>GST will be implemented and maximum tax levied would not be more than 26% as on today it is 75% inclusive of VAT, Excise, ST etc: Shri. Arvind Singh</b></center><br>
        <p style='text-align:justify;'><b>The Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM),</b> India\&apos;s Apex Chamber of Commerce organized a conference on Goods and Services tax (GST) which was inaugurated by <b> Shri. Arvind Singh, Chief Commissioner (Central Excise & Customs), Vadodara ,GoI.</b></p>
        <p style='text-align:justify;'>GST conference was organized to spread awareness about the bill which will subsumes various Central indirect taxes, including the Central Excise Duty, Countervailing Duty, Service Tax, etc. It also subsumes State value added tax (VAT), octroi and entry tax, luxury tax, etc. The conference marked the presence of experts, technocrats on GST software, chartered accountant firms and business fraternity from manufacturing, service and banking sector.</p>
        <p style='text-align:justify;'>The conference marked a benchmark on the various issues related to implementation of GST with their proposed solutions/ suggestions by the panelists and delegates as the conference also aimed at interaction of industry with the government authorities and agencies.</p>
        <p style='text-align:justify;'><b>Shri. Arvind Singh, Chief Commissioner (Central Excise & Customs), Vadodara, GoI,<br></b> gave an overview of the proposed GST Bill and its implementation. He future added that India is rapidly going through economic and monetary transformation. The mega tax reform of replacing multiple indirect taxes by uniform Goods and Service Tax is an important part of this transformation. He also said that GST will be a game changing reform for the Indian economy by creating a common Indian market and reducing the cascading effect of tax on the cost of goods and services. In his speech is also said that It will impact the tax structure, tax incidence, tax computation, tax payment, compliance, credit utilization and reporting, leading to a complete overhaul of the current indirect tax system. He further stated that the total amount of 26% of indirect tax is highly proposed under GST regime as against 75% today. He stated that we are a socialistic democratic country and should minimize the bridge between have and have-not&apos;s. He also gave a positive overview on demonetisation. He emphasized that GST is a single point tax to control black money.</p>
        <p style='text-align:justify;'><b>  Bhavesh C Shukla Joint Commissioner (Commercial Tax), Vadodara, GoG</b>in his speech shared their expertise and industry perspective on the implementation of GST as they have been working closely with the Union Finance Ministry on this project and are well updated on all the recent developments on the proposed GST Bill. He also added that GST will impact the tax structure, tax incidence, tax computation, tax payment, compliance, credit utilization and reporting, leading to a complete overhaul of the current indirect tax system. It is a game changer reform which will change the way people do business in India. It is therefore important to understand its implications on economy in general and one&apos;s own business in particular and prepare for the transition. He emphasized that Government is working very closely with the GSTN team and informed the business fraternity to be ready for GST as it will not be delayed beyond15th September 2017. At present he informed that there are 4 slabs under GST 5%-12% 18% - 28% and said that as the government is working hard GST can also be implemented by 1st April 2017 also.</p>
        <p style='text-align:justify;'><b>Arpan Dodia Chairman Western Region ICAI,</b>in his speech said that this conference on GST is considered to be one of the most awaited topic that will give an overview on which taxes are to be levied by the Centre, States and local bodies and which goods and services will be subjected to GST and the basis and the rates at which GST will be applied.</p>
        <p style='text-align:justify;'><b>Bhagyesh Soneji Chairperson, ASSOCHAM Gujarat Council</b>on behalf of ASSOCHAM Gujarat Council welcomed all the welcome all the dignitaries, experts of the technical sessions and participants to this important conference on GST. She also added that GST will provide significant visibility to industry, and highlights the Government&apos;s intention to move ahead with the introduction of GST.</p>
        <p style='text-align:justify;'><b>Amish Khandhar Chairman, Taxation Committee, ASSOCHAM Gujarat Council</b> l in his vote of thanks he Thanked all the dignitaries and Technical Experts, all participants and Sponsors. He further added that this GST conference may provide opportunity to the participants for better understanding of the new tax regime and discuss important aspects of Model GST law, rules, procedures and their implications on different business segments and industry sectors.</p>