Understanding India’s Revamped GST System: A Citizen’s Guide
In an effort to shed light on the Central government’s latest Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, Andhra Pradesh BJP spokesperson Vinusha Reddy recently hosted a comprehensive awareness program. Held at VR Multi Speciality Hospital in Prakash Nagar, Kurnool, the session aimed to inform local citizens, hospital personnel, and patients about the benefits and features of the updated tax policy.
The interactive session saw active participation from doctors, staff, and patients, all eager to grasp the nuances of the GST changes. Ms. Reddy elaborated on how the previous four tax slabs have been streamlined into just two, a move designed to enhance transparency and foster a more citizen-friendly tax environment. She emphasized that this significant reform underscores the Narendra Modi government’s dedication to alleviating the tax burden on the middle class and stimulating economic prosperity.
Highlighting key advantages, Ms. Reddy pointed out that, for the first time, prices for a vast array of essential commodities have seen substantial reductions. A remarkable 99% of goods now fall under either the 0% or 5% GST brackets. This means everyday items like pencils, books, stationery, paneer, and various food products are now entirely exempt from tax, offering considerable relief to consumers.
The health sector has also received significant relief, with 33 crucial life-saving medicines now tax-free. Other medications will only incur a 5% GST. Furthermore, both life and term insurance policies are completely exempt from GST, a strategic incentive to encourage more individuals to secure their financial future through insurance coverage.
Ms. Reddy concluded the session by empowering attendees to actively monitor market practices. She urged citizens to compare old and new GST rates, ensuring that businesses are indeed passing on the tax benefits to consumers. In cases where businesses fail to comply, she advised reporting such instances to the relevant authorities. The program wrapped up with a dynamic Q&A segment, where Ms. Reddy addressed and clarified various questions from the medical professionals and staff present.