Opposition's walkout on GST issue a 'face-saver', says FM Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday criticised the opposition parties for their walkout from the Lok Sabha after their amendment to withdraw GST levy on medical and life insurance premiums was not taken up and said they did so as a "face-saver" after she addressed all their issues in her speech.

Speaking to reporters in Parliament House Complex, Sitharaman said the GST Council, which is a constitutional body, can take up any matter related to the GST and such an amendment could not be moved in Parliament as demanded by the opposition parties.

"They were given appropriate response to all their issues. They were looking for a face-saver and picked on this to stage a walkout. It was an afterthought," she said.

RSP member N K Premchandran had moved the amendment during the passage of the Finance Bill, seeking removal of 18 per cent GST on medical and life insurance premiums.

Normal procedure of the House is that the amendment is circulated only if it is admitted, he told .