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Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday credited the Goods and Services Tax (GST) with strengthening both the national and state economies, stating that the reform has led to a notable rise in revenue collection and financial stability.

 

Speaking at an official event in Agartala, Saha said that GST has simplified India’s taxation structure and benefited the public at large through a transparent and efficient system. He added that the reform has not only boosted government earnings but also reduced the financial burden on common citizens.

 

“Earlier, there were five stages in the GST structure. Now, it has been simplified into two slabs, 5 per cent and 18 per cent. This has benefited the common people greatly. GST is a people-friendly decision made keeping the welfare of the common man in mind. Under this system, people can save at least 4 per cent on their monthly expenses,” Saha said.

 

He noted that essential household items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste and bicycles now attract only a 5 per cent GST, offering relief to middle-income households. “Various household products, including soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and bicycles, now attract only 5 per cent GST,” he said.

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Highlighting further benefits, the Chief Minister pointed out that life and health insurance services have been exempted from GST, and essential medical supplies, including life-saving medicines, diagnostic kits and equipment, are now taxed at either zero or 5 per cent.

 

Saha said that the GST regime has also extended its benefits to the agricultural sector, easing the financial load on farmers. “Tractors and rice harvesters now come under 5 per cent GST while the tax on cement purchases has been reduced from 28 to 18 per cent,” he added.

 

The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing the “one nation, one tax” system that replaced a patchwork of multiple levies with a unified tax framework. “Previously, the people used to pay several taxes, but it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who introduced the GST in line with one nation one tax, benefiting the people,” Saha said.

 

He asserted that GST reforms have simplified business operations, promoted compliance and led to a significant improvement in revenue generation across sectors. The system, he said, has brought uniformity and fairness, reinforcing India’s commitment to economic efficiency and public welfare.