Reform that boosts growth
India’s GST reform of 3 September marks a transformative leap in indirect taxation, with a streamlined two-rate structure and bold rate reductions that will directly spur demand and growth.
India’s GST reform of 3 September marks a transformative leap in indirect taxation, with a streamlined two-rate structure and bold rate reductions that will directly spur demand and growth.
The BJP and its allies hailed the decision as a "big gift" for the middle class. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the GST reforms aim to ease living for the common man and strengthen the economy.
Addressing the Bharat Nutraverse Expo 2025, the minister said the reduction in GST rates will provide a tremendous and unprecedented boost to consumption demand.
In a major move, the GST Council late Wednesday approved a complete overhaul of the tangled Goods and Services Tax regime, slashing rates on commonly used items ranging from hair oil and corn flakes to TVs, personal health, and life insurance policies.
As per reports, during its two-day meeting this week, the proposals to move various items from the 12% and 18% GST slabs to the 5% slab or to the nil GST category aim to reduce the tax burden on households and boost spending.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the cost of insurance to the policy holder is expected to come down if the GST Council recommends a reduction in GST rate on health and life insurance policies.
In a post on social media platform X, the Council said, “The 54th Meeting of GST Council will be held on 9th September, 2024 at New Delhi.”
Waiver is applicable for demand notices issued under Section 73 of the CGST Act for the fiscal years 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20, in cases where the taxpayer pays the full amount of tax demanded in the notice upto 31.03.2025, the Council said.
Food preparations in powder form containing at least 70 per cent millets will not have to pay any GST, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.
Law Committee will examine suitable amendment in law to exclude ENA for use in manufacture of alcoholic liquors for human consumption from ambit of GST.
