India’s government just announced major tweaks to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, calling it a game-changer for the country’s young people and small businesses. These reforms, shared from New Delhi on Saturday, aim to simplify taxes and make life more affordable across key areas.
First off, GST on everyday items like leather, footwear, textiles, handicrafts, and toys drops to just 5%. This move is set to give a big lift to youth-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and help ramp up exports in these vibrant sectors.
Parents and students will love this: essential school supplies such as pencils, erasers, and exercise books are now completely GST-free. It’s a smart way to cut down on education costs and make learning more accessible for kids everywhere.
Fitness enthusiasts, take note—gyms and fitness centers see their GST slashed from 18% to 5%. That makes working out cheaper and easier for everyone chasing a healthier lifestyle.
For young commuters, there’s good news on wheels. GST on two-wheelers under 350cc and small cars falls from 28% to 18%, boosting mobility and making personal transport more budget-friendly.
Healthcare gets a boost too, with GST on medicines reduced to 5% or even zero in some cases. Plus, health insurance is now fully exempt from GST, helping families stay protected without the extra tax hit.
Tech-savvy startups cheer the uniform 5% GST on drones, which ties right into the Make in India push for innovation and homegrown manufacturing.
On the food front, daily essentials like UHT milk, roti, paratha, paneer, and packaged snacks face rates under 5% or zero. This eases household budgets and supports the food processing industry.
The government also trimmed GST on cement from 28% to 18%, which should lower costs for housing and infrastructure projects, sparking more construction jobs.
Overall, these GST rationalization steps target sectors packed with young talent—like education, automobiles, technology, handicrafts, footwear, healthcare, and textiles. By cutting rates and fixing old tax glitches, the reforms foster entrepreneurship, create jobs, and promote affordable living.
In the end, this isn’t just about lighter wallets—it’s part of India’s bigger plan for inclusive growth, sustainability, and empowering the next generation to thrive.
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