Shillong, September 5: The Meghalaya unit of BJP has lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, stating that these reforms will significantly benefit the residents of Meghalaya by making everyday life more affordable.
“The GST reforms will empower entrepreneurs, strengthen the economy, and make daily life more affordable for the people of Meghalaya,” BJP state general secretary Wankitbok Pohshna told reporters today.
He stated that essential food items like milk, butter, ghee, dairy spreads, jams, and nut pastes have seen a reduction in GST rates, with some becoming tax-free. Chocolates, sweets, and mineral water now attract a lower GST rate of 5 per cent. Soap, hair oil, toothpaste, and tooth powder have seen a sharp drop in taxes, from 27 per cent and 17 per cent to 5 per cent, respectively.
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Pohshna also said that essential medical items and services, including anaesthetics, medical-grade oxygen, and diagnostic kits, now attract a lower GST rate of 5 per cent.
“The Prime Minister’s deep insights have made healthcare affordable for all. Essential medical items such as anaesthetics, medical-grade oxygen, iodine, diagnostic kits, blood glucose monitors, surgical gloves, bandages, and corrective spectacles will now attract just 5 per cent GST instead of 12 per cent. Common medicines across Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha, and homoeopathic systems have also moved to the lower 5 per cent slab. X-ray, radiotherapy surgery and tests, have now moved to the 5 per cent slab, reducing the cost of hospital treatments that rely on advanced technology,” he mentioned.
“In addition, health and life insurance premiums will become more affordable, as GST on these policies, including reinsurance, has been removed entirely. Families can now access essential financial protection at a lower cost, making both health coverage and life insurance easier to obtain.”
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“Lower costs of sports equipment will encourage children and adults to engage in physical activity, hobbies, and play without worrying about high costs, promoting healthier and more active lifestyles. The new GST regime also makes cars and bikes much more affordable for the common man. With GST falling to 18 per cent on most vehicles, lower costs in transport mean personal mobility, commercial transport, and emergency services are easier to access, benefiting both urban and rural communities,” Pohshna added.
Furthermore, the general secretary pointed out that sports equipment and vehicles, including cars and bikes, are now more affordable, with GST rates reduced to 18 per cent on most vehicles.
He also stated that the GST reduction to 5 per cent for handicrafts, artworks, and other local products will benefit artisans and support traditional industries in Meghalaya.
Pohshna said reduction in prices of input items and agricultural machinery will benefit farmers and rural communities, supporting rural development and economic growth.
“Farmers and rural communities will reap huge benefits due to massive reduction in price across the board from their input items to agricultural machinery. Even maintenance of farm equipment is now enormously cheaper. Lower input costs help farmers increase productivity and reduce operational expenses, supporting rural development and economic growth.”
“GST on solar-powered products, including cookers, water heaters, lamps, and power generators, has been reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. This move makes sustainable energy solutions more accessible to households across India. Families can now embrace clean energy at lower costs, bringing PM Modi’s vision of affordable electricity within reach.”
“All in all, these reforms have gifted us affordable living and are a move towards a revitalised economy. At a time when many countries, including America, are grappling with runaway inflation, India is witnessing a reversal because of our visionary Prime Minister and his team,” Pohshna concluded.
(Newmai News Network)