Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, has voiced his support for the GST reforms, while also congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Naidu’s statement focused on the revised tax slabs for everyday essentials, education, healthcare, and agriculture. He considers this a pro-poor, growth-oriented move, designed to benefit all sections of the population. The GST Council approved significant rate cuts across several sectors, which the government considers a positive development. The price of everyday household items will be reduced. Products like hair oil, shampoo, toothpaste, and soap, previously taxed at 18%, will now be taxed at 5%. Butter, ghee, cheese, and pre-packaged snacks will also have a lower GST rate, dropping from 12% to 5%. Baby care products and certain kitchenware items will see price reductions. The agricultural sector is set to receive considerable benefits, as tractor tires, parts, and the tractors themselves will have reduced GST rates. Furthermore, the government has lowered the GST on specific bio-pesticides, micro-nutrients, and irrigation systems.
