Hemant Jain, President PHDCCI

“The roll-out of GST rate rationalisation from September 22, 2025, is a landmark reform that addresses both consumer welfare and revenue efficiency. By reducing rates on daily essentials such as toiletries, packaged foods, and utensils from 18–12% to 5%, the reform will ease household budgets and stimulate demand. In agriculture, lowering GST on tractors, tyres, irrigation systems, and farm machinery to 5% will cut input costs and directly benefit farmers. Affordable access to healthcare—through Nil GST on insurance, medical oxygen, and diagnostic kits—marks a socially progressive step, while reduced levies on education items will strengthen human capital. Equally, bringing down GST on automobiles, appliances, and electronics will boost industry volumes and create multiplier effects in manufacturing and jobs. PHDCCI strongly welcomes these measures, as they simplify compliance, spur consumption, and ensure states gain from an expanded tax base—setting India firmly on the path of growth and inclusivity.”