Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To...
Significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act:
- The 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, passed in 2016, introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India.
- It aimed to create a unified indirect tax regime across the country, replacing various state and central taxes.
Accommodative spirit of federalism:
- The 101st Constitutional Amendment Act reflects the accommodative spirit of federalism by:
- **Uniform Tax Structure:** By implementing GST, the Act harmonizes tax structures across states, promoting economic unity and cooperation among different levels of government.
- **Cooperative Federalism:** The Act necessitated cooperation between the Centre and states to enact and implement GST laws, showcasing a collaborative approach to governance.
- **Empowering States:** The Act provides states with the power to levy and collect GST on services, ensuring their financial autonomy within the federal structure.
- **Conflict Resolution Mechanisms:** The Act established institutions like the GST Council to address disputes and foster consensus among Centre and states, enhancing federal cooperation.
- Overall, the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act exemplifies an accommodative federal spirit by balancing the interests of the Centre and states, promoting unity in diversity, and fostering cooperative governance in India.