Union Home Minister Amit Shah hails GST 2.0 as a landmark reform
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the Narendra Modi government’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform, calling it one of the most significant economic overhauls in independent India. Shah said that GST has replaced 16 different taxes with a single, unified system, simplifying the economy and boosting exports.
Key Highlights from the Interview
On GST’s Impact:
- Tax Unification: Shah explained that GST merged 16 different taxes, such as octroi, excise, and sales tax, into one nationwide system. The introduction of e-way bills and over 200 smaller changes have also helped smooth out the process.
- Increased Revenue: According to Shah, the nation’s income has grown from $₹$80,000 crore to $₹$2 lakh crore, which has allowed the government to further reduce taxes on more than 395 items.
- Tax Relief: Many everyday goods are now in the 0% or 5% tax bracket. Essential sectors like health, agriculture, and employment have also received tax relief. Shah noted that insurance has become more affordable, and even vehicles have seen tax cuts.
On the Political Context:
- Criticism of Previous Governments: Shah pointed out that while discussions about GST began under the Congress government, it was never implemented. He challenged the Congress party’s claim that it was their idea, asking why they failed to implement it and what the states were objecting to.
On National Politics and Security:
- Condemnation of the Opposition: Shah strongly criticized the opposition for what he described as the use of “undemocratic” language in public discourse. He specifically referenced derogatory remarks allegedly made about Prime Minister Modi’s late mother, urging voters to hold such behavior accountable.
- Praise for PM Modi: Shah called Prime Minister Modi’s 11-year tenure “historic,” highlighting his strong relationships with global leaders.
- National Security Achievements: He cited operations like Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev as proof of the government’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism.5 He also highlighted the government’s success in managing the COVID-19 pandemic and its efforts to curb terrorism, which he believes “will be remembered for centuries.”
- Social Welfare: Shah asserted that PM Modi has moved beyond political slogans to deliver tangible results in poverty alleviation, declaring that no other Prime Minister in independent India has achieved as much in a single decade.
