Rajya Sabha passes GST Bill in Monsoon Session of Parliament

The Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, 2014 was approved by the Upper House with 203 votes in favour and none against, after a seven-hour debate during which a rare bonhomie was witnessed among the ruling and the opposition parties.

Six official amendments, including scrapping of one per cent additional tax, moved by the government were approved with cent per cent votes.

The lighter side of the debate came during clause by clause voting as the results showed different numbers everytime. Finally the Bill was passed as amended with 203 in favour, none against.

The AIADMK was the only party to oppose the measure and its members staged a walkout ahead of voting.