GST reforms will benefit people from all sections of society by reducing the tax burden on everyone. From books to farming equipment, GST rates have been slashed, sparking enthusiasm among consumers to buy more. Responding to opposition allegations that the government is only thanking one individual, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi clarified in the Odisha Assembly that the decision was made after extensive discussions with representatives from all states in the GST Council meeting. The entire team contributed, and that’s why we’re thanking the “team captain”—the Prime Minister, who serves as the nation’s chief servant.
The resolution on GST reforms, introduced by the Chief Minister himself on Monday, was discussed and adopted on Tuesday. While the opposition BJD participated in the discussion on Monday and criticised the government, they were absent on Tuesday. Proposing the adoption of the resolution, the Chief Minister said he was personally present at the historic GST Council meeting, where proposals from various states were discussed. Decisions were made keeping in mind the problems of all states and the interests of the people. There was apprehension about voting on the decisions, so the Union Finance Minister urged everyone to stay until the end. He also thanked all states that proposed ideas.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister urged people to adopt indigenous products, which will support micro and small entrepreneurs. In the coming days, Odisha will become a manufacturing hub, and indigenous production will meet global demands, he asserted.
During the discussion on the Thanksgiving resolution, Chief Minister Majhi explained that businesses and consumers previously had to pay multiple indirect taxes like sales tax and service tax, which was complex. Therefore, the Prime Minister abolished all such taxes and implemented “One Nation, One Tax.” Earlier, there were nine GST slabs, reduced to four, and now to two. Reforms have brought GST down to 5% and 12%. Hence, we congratulate the Prime Minister, the nation’s chief servant, and thank all states that participated in the GST Council.
When the UPA government was at the centre and the BJD in the state, Odisha was always neglected by the centre. Now, with the BJP government, Odisha is being given importance. GST reforms will benefit Odisha. We presented our demands in the GST Council for the state’s interest. A proposal was made to reduce GST on kendu leaves, and it has been slashed from 18% to 5%. This will benefit 8 lakh people and boost sales. GST on pesticides and agricultural machinery has been reduced to 12%. Housewives can now save 10-12% on expenses. However, GST on coal has increased from 5% to 18%, which will benefit Odisha. Electricity consumers will save 17-18 paise per unit. This is an achievement of the double-engine government, the Chief Minister stated emphatically.
BJP MLAs Irashis Acharya and Dushmant Swain participated in the discussion. Finally, the Thanksgiving resolution for GST reforms to the Prime Minister was passed.
