Ashwini Vaishnaw Meets Shopkeepers As GST Cuts Take Effect | Savings On Daily Essentials

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met shopkeepers in the national capital as the new GST reforms came into effect. Speaking to the media, he expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted that the reforms are aimed at providing savings for households across the country. The previous four-slab system has been replaced with a streamlined two-slab regime of 5% and 18%, while a separate 40% slab is retained for luxury and sin goods. Essential items such as soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, tableware, bicycles, and more will now attract a 5% GST, and products like UHT milk, pre-packaged chena or paneer, and Indian breads will see NIL rates. Minister Vaishnaw also urged citizens to embrace swadeshi products in their daily lives. The GST Savings Festival, or Bachat Mahotsav, has officially begun, with both shopkeepers and consumers expressing their happiness at the reduced tax rates.