Has Andhra Pradesh Made History by Releasing Government Orders in Telugu?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Historic issuance of GOs in Telugu.
- Introduction of GST 2.0 reforms.
- Significant financial relief for citizens.
- Enhanced accessibility to tax information.
- Focus on empowering farmers and households.
Amaravati, Sep 21 (NationPress) In a historic move, the Andhra Pradesh state government has released government orders (GOs) in the Telugu language for the very first time. On Sunday, the Commercial Taxes Department commenced issuing these orders in Telugu alongside English. The inaugural GO, numbered 344, addresses new Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates set to take effect from midnight.
Chief Minister N. Chandra Babu Naidu unveiled a booklet containing all the Telugu GOs related to the GST 2.0 rules. The state government views this initiative as a significant advancement in making governance more accessible to the populace, enabling citizens to read tax-related GOs in their mother tongue, Telugu.
Reading in one's native language resonates deeply, and this innovative approach has garnered praise from various stakeholders in both Telugu-speaking states, including numerous dealers, accountants, officials, and professionals, as noted by the Chief Commissioner of State Taxes and Commercial Taxes, Babu A.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of reviewing the state's tax policy with relevant officials, asserting that GST 2.0 represents not merely a tax reform but a commitment to a people-centric approach. Such changes aim to reduce expenses, streamline processes, and empower households, farmers, students, and enhance the overall system.
Every rupee saved, whether for tractors, textbooks, or medicines, contributes to sustainable development. This is a transformative shift, rather than just a tax adjustment.
The ‘GST 2.0 Next-Gen Reforms’, effective from midnight on September 21, are poised to bolster the Indian economy, with projections suggesting an additional benefit of around Rs 2 lakh crore.
The new GST framework, founded on the principle of 'people first', intends to benefit every household, farmers, students, and various sectors. Particularly, the residents of Andhra Pradesh stand to gain Rs 8,000 crore from these reforms.
An official declaration noted that the financial burden on the common citizen has been alleviated by lowering GST on essential items from 18 percent to 5 percent. Taxes on products such as butter, ghee, paneer, soaps, shampoo, toothpaste, hair oil, processed food, biscuits, and coffee have been reduced.
The middle class has received significant relief, with GST reductions on two-wheelers, small cars, TVs, ACs, and cement from 28 percent to 18 percent. Furthermore, the tax on sweets, chocolates, and ice creams has been lowered to 5 percent.
For agricultural essentials, GST on fertilizers, pesticides, and tractors has dropped from 12 percent to 5 percent, providing substantial support to farmers.