GST Reforms Praised by Chandrababu Naidu, Lauding Modi and Sitharaman

Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, has extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, welcoming the GST reforms as a transformative step. Naidu’s statement, shared on social media, highlighted the revised GST slabs applicable to daily essentials, education, healthcare, and agriculture. He believes these reforms are designed to be beneficial for all members of society. The announcement was made after the GST Council approved substantial rate cuts across numerous sectors, which the government views as beneficial. Essential items are set to become more affordable, with products like hair oil, shampoo, toothpaste, and soap experiencing a drop in the GST rate from 18% to 5%. Similarly, items like butter, ghee, cheese, and pre-packaged snacks will now have a 5% GST rate, reduced from the previous 12%. The agricultural sector will receive a boost from these modifications, as tractor tires, parts, and tractors themselves will see a reduction in their GST rates. Additional reductions have been applied to specified bio-pesticides, micro-nutrients, drip irrigation systems, and sprinklers.