Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has praised the new GST 2.0 reforms, calling them a “historic milestone” for India. These changes are set to simplify the tax system and make life easier for everyday people.
Fadnavis shared his excitement on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, GST has been simplified forever. The old 12% and 28% slabs are gone, replaced by just 5% and 18%. This will reduce the burden on families from September 22, 2025. And good news — health and life insurance remain outside GST, which is a big relief for everyone. This isn’t just a tax change; it’s a step toward better living for all.”
He also emphasized that under PM Modi’s leadership, India is becoming more transparent, people-focused, and caring.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also welcomed the reforms, calling them a major step toward making India “Atmanirbhar” (self-reliant). He shared that the changes will make essentials like healthcare and insurance more affordable. Shinde pointed out that India’s stance against increasing tariffs and emphasis on self-reliance is boosting the country’s confidence. “It’s clear India will soon be the third-largest economy in the world,” he said.
Women and Child Welfare Minister Aditi Tatkare, who participated in the 56th GST Council meeting representing Maharashtra, expressed hope that these decisions will benefit ordinary people and support India’s progress. She also stressed the need for stricter rules to improve tax collection.
However, some leaders voiced concerns. Ambadas Danve, a senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Leader of the Opposition, welcomed the GST changes but criticized the government for not including fuel in the reform. “GST has impacted middle-class earnings for years, and now they’re making some adjustments. But why not include petrol and diesel under GST? Oil companies have made huge profits by importing Russian oil, yet the common man hasn’t seen any relief. Lower fuel prices and bringing petrol below Rs 100 a litre would be real help,” he said.
Danve also criticized social media comments he called “irrelevant and baseless,” arguing they won’t bring down fuel prices.
Overall, these new GST reforms are seen as a positive move for India’s economy and ease of living, helping families, small businesses, and key sectors across the country.
