Srinagar, Sep 4: BJP State Co-Media Incharge J&K Adv. Sajid Yousuf Shah, on Thursday hailed the recommendations of the 56th GST Council meeting held in New Delhi, describing them as historic reforms that will directly benefit households, farmers, traders, and key sectors of the economy.
Shah, in a media statement, said the reforms, approved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, mark a decisive shift towards a simpler, citizen-friendly tax regime. He pointed out that individual health and life insurance policies have now been fully exempted from GST, making social security more affordable and accessible for every family.
He also highlighted that life-saving medical essentials such as medical-grade oxygen, diagnostic kits, glucometers, and corrective spectacles have seen their GST rates reduced from 12% to 5%, while thermometers have been reduced from 18% to 5%.
The BJP leader emphasised that daily household essentials such as shampoo, toothpaste, shaving cream, soaps, and toothbrushes previously taxed at 18% will now attract only 5% GST. Likewise, butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, and pre-packaged namkeens have seen rates reduced from 12% to 5%, significantly reducing the burden on consumers. Feeding bottles, baby napkins, and diapers will now also attract only 5% GST.
On the agriculture front, Shah noted that GST on tractors, tractor tyres, bio pesticides, drip irrigation systems, and agricultural machinery for soil preparation and harvesting has been reduced from 12%–18% to just 5%, a major boost for the farming community.
Speaking on transport and mobility, Shah said motorcycles up to 350cc, three wheelers, and small hybrid vehicles (both petrol and diesel, within prescribed limits) have had their GST rates cut from 28% to 18%, making them significantly more affordable. Motor vehicles for transport of goods also now attract 18% GST, down from 28%.
In the education sector, students and parents will benefit from zero GST on essential supplies such as maps, charts, pencils, sharpeners, exercise books, and erasers, previously taxed at 5–12%.
Households will also save big on electronic appliances, with GST on air conditioners, televisions (above 32″), dishwashing machines, monitors, and projectors reduced from 28% to 18%.
He further welcomed the process reforms such as: Automatic GST registration within 3 working days based on data analysis, Faster refunds through provisional systems, Reforms in inverted duty structures, Special provisions for zero rated supplies.
“These reforms are not just rate cuts, they are a bold step towards realising the vision of Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business. They will benefit common citizens, MSMEs, and farmers across India including the people of Jammu & Kashmir,” Shah stated.
He added that everyday items will become more affordable, boosting consumption and supporting India’s economic momentum
