GST rate cut benefits must reach the aam aadmi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday, stressing that Centre is closely monitoring how the new tax regime is implemented, effective September 22.
She said that manufacturers, industry stakeholders and state governments would be held accountable if citizens are denied the relief promised under the GST overhaul.
Sitharaman made the remarks during an interview with India Today, where she underlined that even state finance ministers could face questioning if benefits are not passed on.
“We are speaking to everyone—from manufacturers to state governments—to monitor and ensure that the benefits of new GST rates reach aam aadmi,” the finance minister said.
“Action will be taken if GST benefits don't reach citizens in any state; the state FM will be questioned over it," the FM added.
From inflation to Trump tariffs: FM decodes GST 2.0's timing
Speaking on the timing and scope of the GST rejig, Sitharaman said the government had acted decisively to ensure the reforms directly benefit citizens. “Govt tries everything to keep inflation in control,” she said, adding that, “Can't wait for an 'inflation-Muhurat' to roll out GST reforms.”
She rejected opposition criticism, stating, “No rate (pre-GST) was too far away from the GST rate fixed for any product. The opposition's absolute lack of knowledge will be exposed if they level allegations before doing their research on GST.”
On concerns about global economic pressures, the minister said reforms were being carried out irrespective of external headwinds. “Reforms don't depend on headwinds, including Trump's tariffs,” she remarked.
Furthermore, the FM said that Centre was mindful of the middle class while deciding the new tax structure.
“We have kept the Middle Class in mind while deciding these rates,” she said. “Schools, colleges now facing reduced taxes,” she added, while clarifying that “coaching institutions and private tutoring isn't counted among educational institutions.”
Looking ahead, she said the government would keep a close watch on whether citizens receive the benefits promised. “We will monitor how and if citizens are getting the benefits of GST reset post Sept 22,” Sitharaman said.
She said that manufacturers, industry stakeholders and state governments would be held accountable if citizens are denied the relief promised under the GST overhaul.
Sitharaman made the remarks during an interview with India Today, where she underlined that even state finance ministers could face questioning if benefits are not passed on.
“We are speaking to everyone—from manufacturers to state governments—to monitor and ensure that the benefits of new GST rates reach aam aadmi,” the finance minister said.
“Action will be taken if GST benefits don't reach citizens in any state; the state FM will be questioned over it," the FM added.
From inflation to Trump tariffs: FM decodes GST 2.0's timing
Speaking on the timing and scope of the GST rejig, Sitharaman said the government had acted decisively to ensure the reforms directly benefit citizens. “Govt tries everything to keep inflation in control,” she said, adding that, “Can't wait for an 'inflation-Muhurat' to roll out GST reforms.”
She rejected opposition criticism, stating, “No rate (pre-GST) was too far away from the GST rate fixed for any product. The opposition's absolute lack of knowledge will be exposed if they level allegations before doing their research on GST.”
On concerns about global economic pressures, the minister said reforms were being carried out irrespective of external headwinds. “Reforms don't depend on headwinds, including Trump's tariffs,” she remarked.
Furthermore, the FM said that Centre was mindful of the middle class while deciding the new tax structure.
“We have kept the Middle Class in mind while deciding these rates,” she said. “Schools, colleges now facing reduced taxes,” she added, while clarifying that “coaching institutions and private tutoring isn't counted among educational institutions.”
Looking ahead, she said the government would keep a close watch on whether citizens receive the benefits promised. “We will monitor how and if citizens are getting the benefits of GST reset post Sept 22,” Sitharaman said.
You may also like
Jade Goody's widower Jack Tweed breaks silence on Freddy becoming a dad
Thousands of households urged to apply for new £200 cost of living support
Lisbon tram crash victim found ALIVE after he was mistakenly declared dead
Chelsea star vomits on pitch after clashing with Arsenal ace on international duty
Residents of Mandi Face Crisis Due to Highway Expansion Negligence
