Shopkeepers should consider their customers as gods, said the Finance Minister after the implementation of the new GST..

Following the nationwide implementation of the new GST, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with traders and customers in Laxmi Nagar, East Delhi, on Monday to discuss the GST. The Finance Minister told traders that customers should be treated like "gods," and that this new GST reform was implemented with this philosophy in mind.

Nirmala Sitharaman noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently gave the message of "Nagarik Devo Bhava," meaning that respecting citizens and working for them is the government's priority. Shopkeepers should also treat customers like gods. She explained that previously, different states in India had different taxes, which caused significant problems for traders. With the introduction of GST, many different taxes were consolidated into one tax, making business easier.

The Story of GST Reform: Before and Now
Nirmala Sitharaman explained that GST was introduced in 2017, but there was no scope for further reforms then because the 2019 elections and the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to focus. After the elections, the Prime Minister urged them to work on GST. The new reform was drafted and passed by the GST Council within a month.

This reform reduced the prices of 375 everyday items. Previously, GST rates were 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%, but now they are only 5% and 18%. Most items are now in the 5% tax slab. This has had a significant impact on the common man's pocket, as most goods have become cheaper.

Benefits for Consumers
The Finance Minister said that the new GST will help save more money. She reminded that the government has also completely waived taxes on incomes up to Rs 12 lakh. Nirmala Sitharaman further stated that everyone's support and cooperation are essential to make India a developed country by 2047. This reform will benefit every citizen of the country, both directly and indirectly.

Support of MP Harsh Malhotra
Harsh Malhotra, MP from East Delhi and Union Minister of State, also supported the Finance Minister. He said that it is the government's greatest service that incomes up to ₹12 lakh have been exempted from tax in this budget. He explained that since the implementation of One Nation, One Tax, taxes have been reduced on millions of items. Exemptions have been granted on almost everything from kitchenware to electronics. Now, GST is limited to just two slabs: 5% and 18%, which is a major improvement for businesses.

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