"Very revolutionary decision": Shivraj Singh Chouhan welcomes Centre's new GST reforms

Satna (Madhya Pradesh) [India], September 11 (ANI): Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday welcomed the government's decision to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on agricultural equipment from 12-18 per cent to five per cent, describing it as a "very revolutionary decision" for farmers, animal rearers, and fishermen.
Speaking to reporters, Chouhan said, "I want to thank the Prime Minister for clearly deciding that there will be no compromise with the interests of India's farmers, animal rearers, and fishermen... A very revolutionary decision has also been taken in GST, in which the 12-18% GST levied on agricultural equipment has been reduced to 5%.I am extremely pleased and delighted to meet the public."
While commenting on One Nation One Election, Minister Chouhan said, "In our country, elections are held in all 12 months. This continuous election process is the biggest obstacle in the country's progress and development, and therefore, today there is a need to amend the Constitution so that in the first phase, at least the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are held together... Today, I have also presented this issue before students and citizens."
Recently, the 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates.
The 5 per cent slab consists of essential goods and services, including food and kitchen items like butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujia, mixtures, and utensils; agriculture equipment; handicrafts and small industries; also medical equipment and diagnostic kits.
The 18 per cent slab consists of a standard rate for most goods and services, including automobiles such as small cars and motorcycles (up to 350cc), consumer goods like electronic items, household goods, and some professional services, a uniform 18% rate applies to all auto parts.
Additionally, there is also a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products like cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages and on luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters.
Moreover, some essential services and educational items are fully exempted from GST, including individual health, family floater and life insurance; also, certain services related to education and healthcare are GST-exempt. (ANI)