Residents, vendors, and traders across Shimla have welcomed the revised Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates implemented from Monday. They called it a "positive step" that will benefit ordinary citizens, reduce inflation, and boost business during the festive season.
Locals noted that simplifying slabs into mainly 5 per cent and 18 per cent, while lowering or removing GST on essential goods, will ease household expenses and create wider economic opportunities.
"The public will benefit a lot from this move because no item will have GST above 18 percent now. Items that earlier had 28 percent GST are down to 5 percent or even exempted. Milk, curd, pulses and flour have been reduced to 5 percent, which will directly help households," said Sanjay Singh, a Shimla resident. He said prices of electronics and food items, which had risen due to higher GST, will now come down.
"Now things will be cheaper, and inflation will come down. GST should be properly implemented so that every citizen buys with a bill and contributes to the nation's revenue. During upcoming festivals like Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali, this reduction will directly benefit consumers," he said.
Small vendors also welcomed the cuts as a boost for both business and government revenue. "I read in the newspapers that where GST was 28 percent, it has now been reduced. Every customer should take a bill and pay GST. This way, the government earns revenue which will be spent on development," said Ratan Lal Gautam, a local vendor.
"When GST is lower, inflation also reduces. People will buy more. The money collected through GST will go into the country's development. Common citizens will also benefit directly since essential goods like milk, curd and daily household items are cheaper now," he further said.
Traders expressed optimism that the changes will simplify operations and improve sales. " This is a big change. Around 95 percent of items have now been put into simplified slabs. This will benefit both traders and consumers. It's a very important step by Prime Minister Modi," said Pyar Singh, a hardware trader.
He added, “When taxes are simplified and rates reduced, both sides gain. Consumers save money and traders also see higher sales. This is a win-win situation for all."
Retired officer Subhash Verma highlighted the long-term economic benefits. "This move to reduce GST to 5 percent and 18 percent is a very good initiative. While in the short term there may be some dip in revenue collection for the state, in the long run, cheaper goods will mean higher demand and higher production, which will generate employment," he said.
"Tourism, agriculture and small industries will benefit. Lower GST on room rents will attract more tourists, while reduced costs for horticulture and agricultural products like apples and potatoes will directly help farmers. When production rises, unemployment will reduce, and both small and medium industries will see growth. Even transport costs will come down if petrol and diesel are taxed lower, which will make essentials more affordable in markets," Verma added.
Overall, reactions across Shimla reflect optimism that GST rationalisation will bring relief to households, encourage fair billing, and support economic growth locally and nationally.
Also Read: Jai Ram Thakur hails GST reforms
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