India’s big GST overhaul kicks off on Monday, September 22, promising to shake up the tax system in ways that could supercharge job opportunities for young people in small businesses and startups. Officials say these changes target sectors buzzing with youth energy, like education, automobiles, tech, handicrafts, footwear, healthcare, food processing, and textiles. The goal? Cut costs, ramp up competition, and spark fresh ideas to drive inclusive growth and sustainability for the next generation.
The government rolled out a simpler GST setup with sharp rate drops in everyday trade areas. Think leather goods, shoes, paper products, fabrics, crafts, toys, packaging, and logistics—these all get a boost to help current businesses thrive and lure young entrepreneurs into launching their own ventures.
For starters, GST on items like chamois leather, composition leather, and tanned leather drops from 12% to 5%. Footwear priced under Rs 2,500 per pair now faces just 5% GST, putting more affordable kicks in the hands of young shoppers. Even job work on hides and skins sees the same cut, slashing production expenses for small manufacturers and encouraging new players to jump in.
Eco-friendly options get love too. GST on sustainable wood alternatives, such as rice husk boards, gypsum boards, and jute particle boards, falls from 12% to 5%. This supports green manufacturing and gives small wood-based businesses a competitive edge.
Handicrafters and young artists stand to gain big from tax tweaks that make traditional products cheaper and more export-ready. Wooden, stone, or metal idols, plus paintings, engravings, handmade candles, carved wood items, handbags, stone art, and clay kitchenware—all drop from 12% to 5% GST. These moves bolster India’s cultural scene and help young artisans build steady livelihoods.
In textiles, the changes fix old pricing glitches to lower costs, lift demand, and protect jobs. Man-made fibres now attract 5% GST, down from 18%, while ready-made clothes up to Rs 2,500 per piece (up from the old Rs 1,000 cap) also hit 5%. This makes Indian garment exports punchier on the world stage, fueling dreams of India as a textile powerhouse and aiding young exporters.
Education and kids’ essentials see game-changing relief. Pencils, sharpeners, crayons, exercise books, graph books, maps, and charts go GST-free, from their previous 12% rate. Erasers drop from 5% to zero. Families, especially in rural spots and government schools, will spend less on basics, boosting school attendance and learning while propping up local stationery makers.
Bikes get cheaper too—GST slides from 12% to 5%, making it easier for kids in rural and semi-urban areas to pedal to class.
Fitness fans rejoice: Gyms and fitness centers cut from 18% to 5% GST. What was once a pricey perk now opens up to more middle-class families and youth, pushing India’s wellness drive and preventive health goals. More affordable memberships mean healthier habits for everyone.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
