Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday described the recently announced GST reforms as a historic move that will benefit every section of society, particularly farmers, the poor, and the middle class. He said the decision to slash GST rates on commonly used items will reduce inflation, increase savings for the middle class, and strengthen economically weaker sections of society.

Addressing a press conference, Saini stated that the reforms approved by the GST Council mark a significant milestone towards realizing the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat.” The GST changes will bring all products, except sin goods, under 5 percent and 18 percent slabs, while essential items such as packaged milk and cheese will see GST reduced to zero. These reforms will come into effect from September 22, coinciding with the first day of Navratri.

Saini emphasized that the move is purely economic and should not be linked to any elections. Highlighting the impact on farmers, he noted that GST reductions on tractors and their parts will lower input costs, encourage the adoption of modern machinery, and contribute to agricultural modernization. The chief minister also expressed gratitude to the central government and the GST Council for simplifying the tax system, removing trade barriers between states, and advancing the vision of ‘One India – One Tax – One Market.’

The Haryana government fully supports all decisions of the GST Council. Saini, who also holds the state finance portfolio, attended the 56th GST Council meeting in New Delhi, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. He further mentioned that the e-Kshatipurti portal remains open to facilitate farmers from 2,897 villages in filing claims for crop damage caused by floods, standing water, or heavy rains, with verified claims eligible for compensation. Relief materials from Haryana are also being sent to Punjab to assist affected farmers.

Saini underscored that the GST, implemented in 2017 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the country’s biggest economic reform since Independence, providing transparency, simplicity, and uniformity in taxation across India. The reforms are expected to benefit the people of Haryana by nearly Rs 4,000 crore.