Is GST 2.0 a truly historic reform for New India?

Mumbai, Sep 4 (NationPress) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised the GST 2.0 reforms, referring to the transition to a two-slab system as a “truly historic reform for New India.”

In a post on X, Fadnavis stated, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon. PM Narendra Modi ji and the dedicated efforts of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ji, GST has been simplified forever. By eliminating the 12 percent and 28 percent slabs and adopting just 5 percent and 18 percent, a significant burden on the populace is lifted. This change will take effect from September 22, 2025. Notably, health and life insurance have been excluded from GST -- a huge relief for every family. This is not merely a tax reform; it is a transformation in the Ease of Living.”

He emphasized that under PM Modi’s leadership, India is evolving into “more transparent, more people-centric, and more caring every single day.”

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde also endorsed the reforms, describing them as a crucial step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. He remarked, “In the truest sense, Hon. @narendramodi has sweetened the upcoming Diwali for the people of the nation.” On one hand, daily necessities -- particularly healthcare and insurance -- are becoming more affordable; on the other hand, small industries and businesses receive significant relief.

Shinde further noted that by standing firm against America’s heightened tariffs and prioritizing self-reliance, India has enhanced its confidence. “There is no doubt that India will soon emerge as the world’s third-largest economic power,” he asserted.

Women and Child Welfare Minister Aditi Tatkare, who represented Maharashtra at the 56th GST Council meeting, stated that these decisions would be “extremely effective for the welfare of the people and the progress of the country.”

She also called for more stringent measures to enhance tax collection discipline.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former LoP in the Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, acknowledged the changes but criticized the government for excluding fuel from GST.

“For seven to eight years, GST has devoured the earnings of the middle class. After all this, the Centre is now making changes. We have no objection, but why not include petrol and diesel under GST? In the last 39 months, oil companies saved $12.6 billion by importing Russian oil. Not a fraction of this has reached the common man. Reduce fuel prices, bring petrol below Rs 100 per litre -- that will be real relief,” he said.

Danve also criticized BJP supporters on social media, commenting that “irrelevant and baseless comments” do not lead to lower fuel prices.