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  • Congress leader Rahul Gandhi opened the party's campaign for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections with an Insaaf rally in Sangrur, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's home district, accusing the AAP government of failing to control drugs, gangster violence and corruption. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge outlined six commitments, including a drug-free Punjab, protection of farmers, employment for young people and action against corruption
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GST 2.0: Simplified At Last

By Sunil Garodia
First publised on 2025-09-05 06:05:47

About the Author

Sunil Garodia Editor-in-Chief of indiacommentary.com. Current Affairs analyst and political commentator. Author of Cyber Scams in India, Digital Arrest, The Money Trap and The Human Hack

The GST got a serious trim - and about time. The four-tier grind (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) is being replaced with a simpler two-slab system: 5% for essentials and mid-level goods, 18% for most others. On top of that, a 40% rate kicks in for luxury or harmful "sin" items. It's bold, it's trimmed, and it's finally easy to follow. All this takes effect September 22, 2025 - just in time for Diwali.

Why It's Not Just Tinkering

Items we use daily - milk, paneer, roti, snacks, medicines - get cheaper. Many essentials now fall under the 5% slab or are tax-free. Healthcare and insurance get relief: life and health insurance are exempt, life-saving drugs are zero-tax, and most other medicines drop to 5%. Everyday goods and appliances like TVs, ACs, cement, agricultural tools, and school supplies lean cheaper under the 5% or 18% brackets. And no more bizarre popcorn-versus-paratha tax dramas. Simpler slabs mean fewer arcane classification debates that cost businesses time and money.

How States Were Brought On Board

This broad reform was not easy to carry out. Heavily dependant on GST revenue, states were wary of losing out. The deal was sealed after the Centre promised to make up the losses through compensation measures and putting in place phased adjustments.  In effect, the reform was a hard-fought consensus.

Revenue Will Be Hit, But Higher Consumption Might Make It Up

The short-term revenue loss is hefty. But the central government is betting on broader consumption gains offsetting the hit over time. Simplification cuts compliance costs, though it doesn't end bureaucracy altogether. Critics say the slabs are simpler, yes, but the paperwork and enforcement still need serious cleanup.

What It Means in Plain Terms

Lower bills at home - groceries, school supplies, medicines - will be noticeably cheaper. Urban and rural families alike feel the benefit, and small businesses get breathing room thanks to simpler compliance. Healthcare and nursing families get real relief: that zero-GST cancer drug isn't just a number; it's sanity for patients. On the flip side, luxury and sin items still bite the wallet hard. Tobacco, pan masala, and high-end luxuries remain firmly in the premium tax net.

The Next Step Is Proper Implementation

The big test now is implementation. Will the price cuts show up on shelves quickly? Will states receive timely compensation? And will businesses truly feel less burdened by classification battles? Markets cheered the announcement, but follow-through will decide whether GST 2.0 delivers growth or just another layer of paperwork. India finally cleaned up its GST. It's not perfect (no tax is), but it's gutsy, timely, and designed to make a difference. The real story starts now - with proper execution.

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