GST reforms are in the best interests of the poor, says Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav

Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav has pledged support to the GST reforms initiated by the Central government, terming them as measures taken in the best interests of the poor.

Participating in the 56th GST Council meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Wednesday, Mr. Keshav said the reforms were in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day announcement of a Diwali gift for the people.

“As an alliance partner, the Andhra Pradesh government is supporting the GST reforms. Most of them are aimed at helping the common man and the poorest of the poor, covering critical sectors such as food, education, health, steel, cement, and textiles. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has also backed the reforms as they are a significant step towards reviving the economy and improving people’s lives,” he noted.

Further, Mr. Keshav said the reforms would help in expanding the Indian economy, while rationalising the tax rates on items of common consumption and reducing costs, which would provide a big relief to many.

“The reforms are intended to ensure that the benefits are passed on to the customers and end-consumers,” Mr. Keshav said.