How Does Andhra CM Naidu View GST Reforms?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- GST reforms focus on economic growth
- Reduces tax burdens on essential goods
- Two primary slabs: 5% and 18%
- Support from state government
- Impact on various sectors including healthcare and education
Amaravati, Sep 4 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, praised the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms sanctioned by the GST Council, labeling them as “pro-poor” and “growth-oriented”.
The President of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) took to X to express his support for the announcement made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday night following the GST Council meeting.
“We enthusiastically welcome the GST reforms that introduce revised slabs for daily essentials, education, healthcare, and agriculture. This pro-poor and growth-oriented decision is designed to benefit all segments of society, from farmers to businesses,” Naidu tweeted, emphasizing his role as a significant ally in the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.
“I extend my congratulations to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman Ji for this transformative initiative. As promised by PM Modi Ji on Independence Day, these next-generation GST reforms represent a strategic and citizen-centric enhancement of our tax structure, aimed at improving the quality of life for every Indian,” Naidu stated.
The reforms have streamlined the GST structure to only two slabs—5% and 18%. This new framework is set to be implemented from September 22.
Sitharaman revealed significant GST rate reductions following the 56th GST Council meeting held in New Delhi.
With most items falling under the 5% and 18% rates, and many items facing a zero percent tax, these changes are anticipated to allow the average citizen to save money, which the government hopes will be funneled back into the economy, providing a substantial boost with an estimated revenue impact of Rs 48,000 crore.
“These reforms have a broad, multi-sectoral focus, intending to enhance the ease of living for every citizen and facilitate business operations,” Sitharaman remarked.
The Andhra Pradesh government has previously shown full support for the next-generation GST reforms.
During the GST Council meeting, State Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav reaffirmed that the State government fully backs the reforms proposed by the Centre, calling it a measure in the best interest of the “poorest of the poor.”
Keshav added that the reforms align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day declaration of a “Diwali gift” for the populace.
“As an alliance partner, the Andhra Pradesh government endorses these proposed GST sector reforms from the Government of India, which primarily aim to assist the common man and the financially disadvantaged. They encompass essential sectors such as food, education, health, steel, cement, and textiles,” Minister Keshav concluded.