GST reforms Modi’s Navratri gift to people: Arti Rao

Health Minister Arti Singh Rao on Monday described the Centre’s latest GST reforms as a “big gift” from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the people on the occasion of Navratri, calling it an important step in strengthening the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign.

Addressing a press conference on ‘Next Generation GST Reforms’ and ‘GST Bachat Utsav’ in Narnaul, she said the changes, which came into effect on September 22, will ensure substantial savings for citizens. “With the combination of new GST reforms and income tax relief, people will be able to make significant annual savings. One Nation, One Tax has made the country economically stronger,” Rao said.

The minister highlighted that the earlier four GST slabs of 5%, 12%, 18% and 28% have now been rationalised into two key rates — 5% and 18%. “With this step, about 99% of daily-use items now fall under the 5% or lower GST bracket, resulting in major savings for the common man,” she added.

Rao further pointed out that in this year’s Union Budget, the government also gave relief to the middle class by making annual income up to Rs 12 lakh tax-free.

Appealing to citizens to adopt indigenous products, she said these reforms will simplify the tax system for industries and traders and promote growth. “This next-generation GST will benefit farmers, entrepreneurs, families and businesses,” she stressed.

The event was attended by former minister and Narnaul MLA Om Prakash Yadav, Pataudi MLA Bimla Chaudhary, BJP district president Yatender Rao, DETC Priyanka Yadav and other senior officials.