Good news for West Bengal and all Indians as the government announces new GST rates that will make everyday items cheaper just in time for the upcoming festive season. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced a revised Goods & Services Tax (GST) structure aimed at easing the financial burden on families.
Starting September 22, GST will be simplified into two main rates: 5% and 18%. The earlier higher slabs of 12% and 28% will no longer be in use. This change is set to reduce the prices of many essential goods and services across the country.
One big benefit is the reduction of GST on agricultural products from 12% to just 5%. This means fresh produce and farming essentials will become more affordable. Medicines that are vital for health and saving lives will also see price drops. Additionally, there will be complete exemption from GST on life insurance and health insurance, providing extra relief for families planning for the future.
Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, praised this move. He said that these changes will lead to a significant decrease in the prices of daily necessities even before Durga Puja and other festivals. He also highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised festival gifts to the people, and this GST revision fulfills that promise, making the festival season even more joyful.
However, not everyone agreed with the move. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called the GST rate revision a “moral victory” for the common people. She criticized the previous tax on insurance premiums, calling it cruel and anti-people. Mamata Banerjee emphasized that her government had warned the central authorities about the negative impact of taxing insurance and that this change is a win for families worried about their financial security.
Overall, this GST revision is expected to bring much-needed relief to Indian families, making everyday essentials more affordable and celebrating the festive season with greater joy and economic ease.
