FM denies friction with states on GST

Union Nirmala Finance Minister Sitharaman on Thursday denied any 'friction' in the ties between the Centre and states over goods and services tax (GST), and emphasised that the federal structure in this economic reform should be respected.

Simplifying and easing compliance on the taxpayers received top priority rather than raising revenue during all consultative meetings on the Budget, she said.

"Revenue is the last consideration with which every Budget meeting happens. You may think that I am not telling the truth. The hard truth I would like to put before you. Yes, we like to raise revenue. During several consultations including those with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, revenue raising came last. But, simplifying, easing and compliance of taxpayers came first," Sitharaman said.