GST reforms are a boon for the common man: CM Vishnu Deo Sai

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday hailed the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms as a “boon” for the poor and middle class, describing them as a historic step towards easing the lives of common people.

Addressing a press conference at the party state office in Raipur, he said GST, once mocked by the opposition as “Gabbar Singh Tax,” has now truly become a “Good and Simple Tax.” The Chief Minister praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, recalling his time working with him as Minister of State in 2014. Sai said the reforms will particularly benefit farmers, as tractors, tyres, and other agricultural equipment are now taxed at just 5%.

A tractor worth Rs 9 lakh will cost Rs 65,000 less, and farmers will save up to Rs 7,000 on tractor tyres. In Chhattisgarh, where 80% of the population is engaged in agriculture, the annual sale of 30,000–35,000 tractors could save farmers over Rs 200 crore. Nationally, nearly nine lakh tractor sales will result in savings of Rs 6,000 crore.

Reduced GST on bio-pesticides, rotavators, irrigation machines, and sprinklers will further cut production costs and boost profits.

The CM welcomed the decision to make health and life insurance tax-free, calling it a “historic step” toward social security and affordable healthcare. He added that removing cess on coal would directly benefit Chhattisgarh, which has already received Rs 6,200 crore in incentive funds for economic reforms. He said that lower GST on tendu leaves and machines used for processing minor forest produce will raise demand and income for tribal collectors, especially in Bastar and Surguja. Nearly 90% of goods, including oil, shampoo, toothpaste, textiles, automobiles, and electronic products, will now be cheaper. It is estimated that each family spending Rs 3–3.5 lakh annually will save at least Rs 50,000. Sai said these reforms mark the beginning of a “revolutionary economic era,” strengthening trade, industry, and household savings. He lauded the GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, as a model of cooperative federalism and credited Chhattisgarh finance minister O.P. Choudhary for his contribution. “GST is now truly a good and simple tax. These reforms will empower farmers, create jobs, and lead India towards becoming a developed nation,” Sai said.