NEW DELHI: Trade bodies and common people in Delhi-NCR have welcomed the government’s decision to revise GST rates on consumer goods, but many feel the real test lies in how quickly the reforms are implemented.
Calling the reforms pro-consumer and pro-trader, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal, who is also the General Secretary of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), lauded the Prime Minister for fulfilling his promise to the nation.
Taking to social media, he praised the government’s decision and wrote in Hindi, “Bringing more than 400 products down from the 12% and 18% GST categories to the 5% slab will certainly strengthen India’s economy and provide major relief to the common people.”
Khandelwal also expressed hope that from September 22 onwards, a 15–20% reduction in the prices of these products will not only ease the burden on consumers but also boost consumption and trade.
“I’m happy the government has reduced GST on health and life insurance and some consumer goods,” said Amit Singh, a 40-year-old trader who runs an electrical shop in Faridabad-NCR.
“But as a trader, the real benefits will only be visible once the changes are implemented on the ground. Business is slow right now and will likely remain low during the Sharad festival season, but we hope this period brings more sales with cheaper goods on the market. Whether small traders like me actually gain — especially since I don’t deal in electronics where the cuts are bigger — only time will tell.”
Another NCR resident from Gurugram, Siddharth Arya, echoed the sentiment, noting that the steps taken by the government to resume two tax categories — 5 percent and 18 percent — are commendable.
Despite being sceptical about the actual implementation on the ground, he was all praise for the saffron party’s decision to impose higher taxes on tobacco, hoping the same could be replicated for alcohol. - The Statesman/ANN
