HT Bureau
ITANAGAR, Sept 4: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Arunachal Pradesh, has welcomed the historic reform of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, describing it as a milestone for the state’s economic growth and development.
In an official statement issued on Thursday, BJP spokesperson and MLA Topin Ete extended congratulations to all traders, consumers and citizens of Arunachal Pradesh, noting that the new GST framework, set to be implemented from September 22, will bring substantial relief to households and the business community.
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“The reform has brought smiles to the people ahead of the festive season of Pooja and Diwali, ensuring relief and benefits for both traders and consumers,” the statement said. It also appealed to all trader organisations and consumer bodies to acknowledge the initiative of the Government of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The BJP reminded that the reform was earlier announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 79th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, and added that the measures are aimed not only at rationalising tax rates but also at structural changes to enhance ease of living and ease of doing business.
According to the official release, the GST slabs have now been simplified into two categories, while the long-standing issue of compensation cess is being addressed.
A wide range of items has seen rate cuts, benefiting both households and industries.
Among the key highlights cited in the statement were: nil GST on UHT milk, paneer and Indian breads; reduction to 5% on food products such as namkeen, sauces, noodles, coffee, ghee, butter and chocolates; and a lowering of tax on consumer durables like air conditioners, televisions above 32 inches, dishwashers, monitors and projectors from 28% to 18%.
Other major reductions include small cars and motorcycles under 350 cc now attracting only 12% GST instead of 28%, agricultural and forestry machinery brought down to 5%, cement, buses, trucks, ambulances and auto parts reduced to 18%, and manmade fibre and yarn cut to 5%.
Life-saving medicines have also been exempted from GST, with three critical cancer and chronic disease drugs moved from the 5% bracket to nil.
Similarly, spectacles and goggles will now attract only 5% GST.
At the same time, the BJP statement underlined that luxury and sin goods would continue to be taxed at higher rates. Pan masala, gutkha, chewing tobacco, cigarettes, aerated drinks and sweetened beverages will carry a 40% GST rate, while mid-size and large cars, aircraft, yachts and other special vehicles for personal use will remain in the higher tax bracket.
In a significant relief to policyholders, GST has been exempted on all individual life insurance policies, reinsurance, and health insurance policies, including those for families and senior citizens.
Describing the reform as “landmark,” the BJP asserted that the measures reaffirm the government’s commitment to the welfare of the common people, the middle class, and the business community, while also strengthening the economy of Arunachal Pradesh in particular.
