State trade body hails new GST structure

The Himachal Pradesh Veopar Mandal has welcomed the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms announced by the Central Government. State Veopar Mandal president Sumesh Kumar Sharma hailed the decision as beneficial for both consumers and traders, stating that the new tax structure would not only reduce investment costs but also significantly curb tax evasion.

Sharma said reducing the 28 per cent slab to 18 per cent would bring major relief to consumers. To further address traders’ concerns, he suggested that along with government officials, non-government representatives should also be included in the GST Council, ensuring ground-level challenges are discussed and resolved effectively.

The entire executive body of the federation unanimously praised the Centre’s bold move. Notably, the GST Council, while approving the “Next Generation GST Reforms,” has reduced the tax structure to just two main slabs — five per cent and 18 per cent, with a special 40 per cent slab for luxury and

harmful goods.

These reforms are expected to directly benefit consumers across Himachal Pradesh and northern India. Everyday items such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, snacks, chocolates and noodles will now become cheaper. Similarly, goods like air conditioners, televisions, dishwashers and small vehicles will fall under the 18 per cent tax bracket. Providing relief to the insurance sector, personal life and health insurance policies have been completely exempted

from GST.

The Central Government has clarified that this new tax structure will come into effect from September

22, 2025.