M V Govindan Slams Centre Over GST Revisions, Welcomes Land Assignment Rules

Thiruvananthapuram: CPI M state secretary M V Govindan on Friday warned that the Centre’s proposed revisions in GST would deal a severe blow to Kerala’s economy. Addressing a press conference, he said economic experts estimate losses between 8,000 and 80,000 crore for the state if the changes are implemented. He also noted that America’s tariff policies are already destabilising the economy, and further GST revisions will only aggravate the crisis.

Govindan strongly criticised the steep hike in GST on lotteries. “In 2017, the GST on lotteries was just 12 percent. It was raised to 28 percent in 2020, and now the proposal is to increase it to 40 percent. Within eight years, this is a 350 percent rise,” he said. According to him, the move will cripple Kerala’s lottery sector, which supports thousands of poor families and funds vital welfare schemes. “This is a deliberate attempt by the central government to sabotage Kerala’s economy,” he alleged, adding that protests are being planned and party representatives will meet Union ministers on the issue.

On state matters, Govindan highlighted the LDF government’s decision to approve the Land Assignment Amendment Rules, calling it the fulfilment of a six-decade-long demand of hill residents. Thirteen amendments have been introduced to simplify land ownership, and around four lakh pattayams have already been distributed. He recalled that this was part of the 380 promises made by the LDF during the 2021 Assembly elections. “This is like an Onam gift for the farming community in the hills. It will improve infrastructure and help farmers secure their livelihoods,” he said. The CPI M will set up help desks through its party workers and farmers’ organisations to assist those facing difficulties with the new procedures.

Govindan also came down heavily on the BJP government for curbing land transactions between different religious communities. He alleged that the Centre is creating artificial restrictions to target minorities. Citing the removal of lakhs of voters from electoral rolls and recent attacks on minority homes and shrines, he said these measures are intended to spread communal hatred.

“The central government is trying to deliberately foster communal violence in the country. Kerala will resist such divisive politics with all its strength,” Govindan said.