Indian government makes fresh attempt to pass tax reform

Minister for parliamentary affairs says tax reform is crucial for economy and we are making efforts to build consensus

NEW DELHI: The Indian government said it is considering reconvening parliament to make another attempt to pass a major tax reform aimed at boosting economic growth.

"The tax reform is crucial for the economy and we are making every effort to build consensus," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu told reporters on Tuesday.

Modi's reform agenda suffered a major setback earlier this month when lawmakers in the upper house refused to support the Goods and Service Tax bill.

The bill is seen as low-hanging fruit among free-market reforms as it has rare bipartisan support. But it fell victim to an impasse over allegations of impropriety against Modi's cabinet and party colleagues.