Budget session draws to a close; GST, other key bills cleared, three stalled; Govt, Oppn trade charges

New Delhi, Apr 12: The Budget Session of Parliament that drew to a close today was described by the Government as one of the most productive ones, having passed several key bills with far-reaching and transforming impacts, the first and foremost of which was the set of four GST Bills that seek to usher in a one nation-one tax regime, one of the big ticket economic reforms.
The session also saw a fierce tussle between the Opposition and the Government over a number of issues, including the presentation of the GST Bill as money bill, introducing amendments Bills at the 11th hour, linking of Aadhar to welfare benefits, I-T returns, alleged tampering of EVMs, racial attacks on Indians in US and other countries.
During the session, the Lok Sabha cleared 23 bills and the Rajya Sabha 14 and both Houses passed 18 bills paving the way for their enactment as Acts after the assent of the President.
The Lok Sabha turned out to be more productive than the Upper House with 113.
27 per cent work done as compared to 92.