New Delhi, Sept 5 (HS): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday asserted that the benefits of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate cuts must directly reach the common man. She said the Centre is closely monitoring the rollout of the new tax structure, set to take effect from September 22, the first day of Navratri, ensuring its strict implementation nationwide.

Calling it a “double celebration” ahead of Diwali and Chhath Puja, the Finance Minister said the relief measures are designed to ease the burden on the people across Bihar and the rest of the country.

“Focus on the Common Man, Not Global Factors”

In an interview with the media, Sitharaman stressed that the government’s core focus remains on the needs and aspirations of the middle class and ordinary citizens. She clarified that the ongoing GST reforms, prepared over the past 18 months by a Group of Ministers (GoM), have no connection with global trade tensions or the tariff announcements made by then U.S. President Donald Trump.

“Now, GST is truly Good and Simple Tax. The old and new rate structures are not drastically different. At the time of its rollout, GST rates were aligned with the prevailing state tax structures, not set arbitrarily,” she explained, urging the opposition to engage in research rather than rhetoric.

“Accountability if Relief Doesn’t Reach People”

Responding to criticism, the Finance Minister said that the government is in regular discussions with manufacturers, industry stakeholders, and state governments to guarantee that the relief from GST rate cuts is passed on to consumers.

“If citizens are denied the promised benefits of these GST reforms, then manufacturers, industry participants, and state governments will all be held accountable,” Sitharaman cautioned.

She also dismissed criticism branding GST as “Gabbar Singh Tax,” recalling that under the opposition’s rule, income taxes were at their peak, compared to today’s rationalized structure.

—————

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar