BJP Meghalaya hails Centre’s GST reforms as a big relief for common man

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 7, 2025

The state BJP has lauded the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms stating that these reforms will significantly benefit the residents of Meghalaya by making everyday life more affordable.

“The GST reforms will empower entrepreneurs, strengthen the economy, and make daily life more affordable for the people of Meghalaya,” BJP state general secretary Wankitbok Pohshna told reporters.

He stated that essential food items like milk, butter, ghee, dairy spreads, jams, and nut pastes have seen a reduction in GST rates, with some becoming tax-free. Chocolates, sweets, and mineral water now attract a lower GST rate of 5%. Soap, hair oil, toothpaste, and tooth powder have seen a sharp drop in taxes, from 27% and 17% to 5%, respectively.

Pohshna also said that essential medical items and services, including anaesthetics, medical-grade oxygen, and diagnostic kits, now attract a lower GST rate of 5%.

“The Prime Minister’s deep insights have made healthcare affordable for all. Essential medical items such as anaesthetics, medical-grade oxygen, iodine, diagnostic kits, blood glucose monitors, surgical gloves, bandages, and corrective spectacles will now attract just 5% GST instead of 12%. Common medicines across Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha, and homoeopathic systems have also moved to the lower 5% slab. X-ray, radiotherapy surgery and tests, have now moved to the 5% slab, reducing the cost of hospital treatments that rely on advanced technology,” he mentioned.

“In addition, health and life insurance premiums will become more affordable, as GST on these policies, including reinsurance, has been removed entirely. Families can now access essential financial protection at a lower cost, making both health coverage and life insurance easier to obtain.”

Furthermore, the general secretary pointed out that sports equipment and vehicles, including cars and bikes, are now more affordable, with GST rates reduced to 18% on most vehicles.

He also stated that the GST reduction to 5% for handicrafts, artworks, and other local products will benefit artisans and support traditional industries in Meghalaya.

Pohshna said reduction in prices of input items and agricultural machinery will benefit farmers and rural communities, supporting rural development and economic growth.

“Farmers and rural communities will reap huge benefits due to massive reduction in price across the board from their input items to agricultural machinery. Even maintenance of farm equipment is now enormously cheaper. Lower input costs help farmers increase productivity and reduce operational expenses, supporting rural development and economic growth.”

“GST on solar-powered products, including cookers, water heaters, lamps, and power generators, has been reduced from 12% to 5%. This move makes sustainable energy solutions more accessible to households across India. Families can now embrace clean energy at lower costs, bringing PM Modi’s vision of affordable electricity within reach.”

“All in all, these reforms have gifted us affordable living and are a move towards a revitalised economy. At a time when many countries, including America, are grappling with runaway inflation, India is witnessing a reversal because of our visionary Prime Minister and his team”, Pohshna concluded.