The North News
Shimla, September 22
India’s new simplified Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure came into effect on Monday, reducing the number of tax slabs from four to two. The revised framework retains only 5% and 18% rates, scrapping the 12% and 28% categories. Essential goods that were earlier taxed at 12% will now fall under the 5% slab, while items previously in the 28% bracket have been brought down to 18%.
Addressing reporters in Shimla, BJP national spokesperson Gopal Agarwal said the changes were part of “Next Gen GST,” aimed at providing relief to ordinary citizens, farmers, traders and small industries. He said that GST has been simplified 56 times so far, and the new structure would make compliance easier. New traders will be able to register within three days, and 90% of refunds will be issued immediately, Agarwal added.
He claimed Himachal Pradesh would gain more from the reforms because of its large consumer base, while describing the overhaul as a key step towards achieving the goal of a developed India.
