As part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) weeklong “GST Bachat Utsav,” Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and J.P. Nadda, who is also the party president, engaged with shopkeepers and consumers in Delhi on Monday, highlighting the significance of the next-generation GST reforms initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Vaishnaw emphasized that the reforms would lower taxes on nearly all daily-use items, effectively benefiting households across the country, while also critiquing the Congress party for its high tax rates during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era.
Vaishnaw stated that the reforms have streamlined processes for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), simplified input tax credit systems, and improved dispute resolution and filing procedures. He predicted that these changes would stimulate consumption, subsequently enhancing both GDP and investment levels in India.
“I recently visited the markets of Karol Bagh and R.K. Puram, where shoppers voiced their satisfaction with the changes. It is essential to communicate how the price reductions on various items have improved the financial situations of middle-class and low-income families,” he remarked.
He accused the opposition of being dissatisfied with these tax savings, citing that during their governance, there was more rhetoric than action. Vaishnaw provided specific price comparisons to illustrate the reforms’ impact: “Previously, a pressure cooker cost ₹700, but now it is priced at ₹650. A mixer-grinder that was ₹5,500 is now ₹4,800, and washing powder that ranged from ₹100-150 now costs between ₹93-135. These reductions will benefit all consumers.”
He also noted significant tax reductions, including cement rates that dropped from 30% during the UPA government’s tenure to 18% under the NDA administration. The tax on sanitary pads, previously 13%, has been eliminated, and household daily-use items that faced a 30% tax have been reduced to 18%.
Nadda urged shopkeepers to ensure that the advantages of the decreased GST rates are passed on to consumers and encouraged them to sell “swadeshi” products. Vaishnaw expressed optimism that the boost in consumption would lead to increased investment and job creation across the country.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bjp-says-reduced-gst-rates-will-boost-gdp-employment-10265671/
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Publish Date: 2025-09-23 03:23:00
