Government's Challenge: Getting Tax Reform GST Passed In 20-Day Session

New Delhi: Dates for the monsoon session of parliament have been set - it will begin on July 18 and run till August 12 - and the government says it has enough support to ensure the passing of the landmark tax reform of a nationwide goods and services tax or GST.

Investors have described the proposed GST as a "silver bullet" for India's economy that would replace multiple central and state levies - a chaotic structure that inflates costs for businesses.

The opposition Congress party, however, has so far blocked the proposal in parliament.

"We have a wider support and we have enough numbers for GST but we would like to have all parties on board because it will have an effect on states," said parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu.

He said that while  the government wants to clear the bill with consensus, the priority is "to get it approved in this session".

Mr Naidu said that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is ready to hold further discussions with all parties Including the Congress.

The 20-day session could be extended by a day or two to clear important legislation, Mr Naidu said.