Historic GST Reform Brings Major Relief to Common Citizens, Farmers, and Businesses: BJP Spokesperson Rakesh Jamwal. 

Shimla:

In a major political statement following the latest decisions of the GST Council, BJP’s Himachal Pradesh Chief Spokesperson and Sundernagar MLA, Rakesh Jamwal, lauded the Modi government’s latest round of Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms as the most transformative step in India’s taxation history. Addressing a press conference in Mandi today, Jamwal described the reforms as “historic” and “pro-people”, saying they mark a new era of economic justice and inclusivity.

“One Nation, One Tax” Vision Fulfilled, Says BJP

Rakesh Jamwal emphasized that the GST reforms rolled out under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi are not just economic reforms, but a social initiative aimed at providing real benefits to every segment of society – from students and farmers to small traders and the urban middle class. He said the Modi government had delivered on its promise of “One Nation, One Tax”, making India’s tax system simpler, more transparent, and more unified.

He added that while the original GST implementation in 2017 was a bold step, the recent decisions taken in the GST Council meeting held on September 3, 2025, have further streamlined the structure, offering greater relief and efficiency.

Essential Goods Made Tax-Free, Cost of Living to Drop

Detailing the new GST exemptions and reductions, Jamwal said that several everyday essential items have been made completely tax-free. These include:

• Food Items: Milk, paneer, chhena, bread, and roti are now exempt from GST. Butter, curd, and other dairy products will now attract only 5% GST, down from earlier rates.
• Personal Care Products: Toothpowder, soaps, shampoos, combs, and hairpins – previously taxed at 12% – will now be taxed at only 5%, offering significant relief to middle-class families.

“These changes directly reduce the cost of daily living and will ease the financial burden on every household,” said Jamwal.

Healthcare and Education Receive Massive Boost

In a major announcement for public health, the government has removed GST from over 31 life-saving drugs, including those used to treat cancer and thalassemia. “This is a landmark move that will offer critical support to poor and middle-income families facing medical crises,” Jamwal said.

Education-related products such as pencils, crayons, sharpeners, and maps have also been made GST-free, ensuring affordability for students across the country. “The future of our children must not be taxed,” he added.

Support for Rural and Agricultural Economy

Highlighting the government’s commitment to rural India, Jamwal said the GST rate on agricultural and rural equipment like tractor tubes, fertilizer machinery, pumps, and poultry machinery has been reduced to just 5%.

In the housing and construction sector, the GST on cement has been reduced from 28% to 18%, while the rate on various building materials has been brought down from 12% to 5%. “This will accelerate the housing sector and make affordable housing more accessible for the masses,” he noted.

Business Sector Sees Major Compliance Relief

The reforms are equally beneficial for India’s business sector, Jamwal stated. The GST registration process for new businesses will now be completed within three days, and 90% of tax refunds will be issued immediately, improving liquidity and ease of doing business.

Technical issues such as inverted duty structures and input tax credit complications have been addressed, and compliance procedures have been further simplified for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Attack on Congress: “They Taxed Essentials Heavily”

Taking a strong swipe at the previous UPA regime, Rakesh Jamwal accused the Congress government of having burdened the public with excessive taxation. “During the UPA era, essential goods like cement, shampoo, coffee, sanitary ware, and paint were taxed at rates as high as 30%. Modi’s government has reduced these to more reasonable slabs of 18% and 5%, making life easier for the common man,” he said.

He reaffirmed that the slogan “Modi Hai Toh Mumkin Hai” is not an empty catchphrase but a reflection of real change being experienced by people across India.

Massive Revenue Support for Himachal Pradesh

Jamwal also pointed out that the state of Himachal Pradesh is benefiting significantly from GST. In the fiscal year 2023-24 alone, the state received Rs. 9,375 crore through GST and IGST. Additionally, Himachal received Rs. 24,317 crore as Grant-in-Aid from the central government – almost 50% of its total budget.

“If the Congress government in the state still complains about deficits, it reflects their own inefficiency and poor governance, not any failure on the Centre’s part,” he asserted.

Boost for Self-Reliance and Economic Growth

Rakesh Jamwal concluded that these “Next Gen” GST reforms will accelerate India’s economic growth, spur domestic demand, attract investment, and empower key sectors like agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure.

“These reforms are a significant step towards Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). GST is no longer just a tax reform—it’s a mission for economic justice and national development,” he said.

Present at the press conference were BJP District President Nihalchand Sharma, Mandi Municipal Corporation Mayor Virender Bhatt, BJP Media In-Charge Rakesh, District General Secretary Karan Kondal, and Girish.