Hazaribagh (Jharkhand), Sep 22 (NationPress) An overwhelming sentiment of gratitude has enveloped Hazaribagh in Jharkhand as residents, merchants, and political leaders collectively conveyed their sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) adjustments. The newly revised GST rates, which took effect today, have provided essential relief to both households and businesses just in time for the festive season.

The reforms, coinciding with the onset of Navratri, have fostered a lively and spirited atmosphere throughout Hazaribagh. The streets buzz with shoppers, markets are regaining vitality, and families are celebrating the prospect of lower prices on essential goods.

MP Manish Jaiswal praised the initiative, stating: "Prime Minister Modi’s administration has offered significant support to the common man, not just once but twice this year. Previously, the exemption of income tax for incomes up to Rs 12 lakh aided the middle class, and now the revised GST rates will benefit all segments of society. This initiative will not only help reduce inflation but also energize the market during the festive season."

Jaiswal elaborated on the technical details of the reform, noting, "The government has simplified the tax framework by minimizing the number of GST slabs. Only two primary tax categories will now be active, making compliance easier and extending broader advantages."

Local women and homemakers have especially welcomed these changes, emphasizing the positive impact on household budgets.

Archana Sinha, a local resident, shared her enthusiasm with IANS: "The GST reductions are a tremendous relief, particularly for health and kitchen essentials. Gas cylinders will now be cheaper, allowing us to spend more during festivals like Durga Puja, Dussehra, and Chhath. Even electronics will be more affordable this Dhanteras."

Jyotsna Devi, another resident, expressed: "We are genuinely pleased with the updated GST rates. It will alleviate the pressure on our household expenses and enable us to celebrate the forthcoming festivals with greater joy."

The business sector has also welcomed the changes. Sunil Gupta, Secretary of the Hazaribagh Textile Traders Association, remarked: "The market had been quiet in recent weeks. People were postponing purchases, awaiting financial relief. Now that the GST cuts are in effect, there’s an observable increase in customer traffic. We expect this year’s festive sales to double compared to last year."

Earlier, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the overhaul aims to inject approximately Rs 2 lakh crore into the economy by enhancing consumer disposable income.

Over 50 items, including UHT milk, khakhras, pre-packaged paneer, and breads like chapatis and parathas, will now fall under a zero-tax category due to the new structure.

Thirty-three vital medications and therapies for conditions such as cancer and rare diseases are now exempt from GST, while the tax rate on various other medicines has decreased from 12 percent. Medical devices, including diagnostic kits and glucometers, will now incur a GST of just 5 percent.

The tax on stationery items for schools and offices, such as erasers, pencils, notebooks, and maps, has been eliminated. Prices for several consumer staples have fallen, including butter, biscuits, condensed milk, namkeen, jams, ketchup, juices, dry fruits, ghee, ice cream, and sausages.

Dry fruits and nuts, such as almonds, cashews, pistachios, and dates, will now be taxed at 5 percent instead of 12 percent.

The tax on kitchen appliances and electronics, including air conditioners, televisions, washing machines, and dishwashers, has been reduced from 28 percent to 18 percent.