Sitharaman: GST 2.0 Empowers Poor & Middle Class, Rebukes Congress for ‘Negativity’
Finance Minister highlights benefits of tax reforms, stresses on Atmanirbhar Bharat and cooperative federalism
New Delhi, Sep 22: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the newly implemented GST 2.0 reforms will ease the burden on the poor, middle class, youth, women, farmers, shopkeepers and entrepreneurs, while giving a major push to local manufacturing and cooperative federalism.
She said the rationalisation of rates to 5% and 18% would make essential items and lifestyle products more affordable while supporting ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. “We should accelerate growth, make it easy for businesses to function, and attract investments. Such a major reform was possible only because all states came together since 2017,” Sitharaman said.
The minister also criticised the Congress for “spreading negativity and baseless criticism” after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation on Sunday, where he described GST 2.0 as a “GST Savings Festival.”
Under the new tax structure, daily essentials like ghee, paneer, butter, coffee, dry fruits and ice cream, as well as aspirational goods such as TVs, ACs, refrigerators, washing machines, cars, and two-wheelers, have all become cheaper. The reforms also bring relief to the healthcare and housing sectors with reduced GST on medicines, medical equipment, and cement.
Sitharaman said the reforms reflect the principle of ‘Nagrik Devo Bhava’ and reaffirm the government’s commitment to putting citizens first. “India should proudly embrace swadeshi. Together with states, we will ensure GST 2.0 drives savings, growth, and self-reliance,” she added.
