Sitharaman mentioned the “new technology GST reforms” had been designed to chop charges, ease compliance, and eradicate ambiguities, benefiting the poor, center class, farmers, MSMEs and a number of other industries in West Bengal.
“The (GST) Council's choice to scale back charges was potential solely as a result of states got here collectively within the spirit of cooperation. There isn't a donor-donee mannequin in GST. If revenues fall, the Centre bears it equally, and after devolution, our share is even smaller,” she mentioned at an occasion right here.
The reforms will immediately profit sectors like handicrafts, clothes, tea, jute and agro-products in Bengal, aiding festive gross sales, the finance minister mentioned.
Merchandise comparable to ‘Nakshi Kantha', Malda mangoes, Darjeeling tea, hosiery and jute luggage would see decrease taxes, she mentioned.
The brand new charges, restricted primarily to five per cent and 18 per cent, might be efficient from September 22, the primary day of ‘Navratri', which Sitharaman mentioned was intentionally chosen to coincide with Durga Puja festivities.”Durga Puja is Bengal's greatest competition. Individuals make main purchases throughout this era. The timing ensures they profit from diminished tax burden,” she mentioned.Explaining the reform trajectory, Sitharaman famous that India has moved from 4 GST slabs to largely two, however is “not but” prepared for a single fee. “Perhaps someday sooner or later,” she added.
She additionally mentioned previous income leakages resulting from misclassification and loopholes, comparable to differential tax therapy of popcorn varieties, had been plugged.
Calling GST “one among India's greatest reforms,” she mentioned the modifications would spur progress, particularly in Bengal's small-scale and craft-based industries, whereas boosting consumption nationwide.