New Delhi, Sep 4 (UNI) The new GST reforms promise to put more money back in the pockets of ordinary families. From the grocery store to the pharmacy, from insurance premiums to salon visits, middle-class households will feel the impact of lower taxes in almost every corner of their monthly budget.
Daily shopping will get lighter on the wallet. Soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bicycles, and kitchenware will now attract just 5 percent GST instead of 12 or 18 percent.
Grocery bills too are set to shrink with milk, paneer, and Indian breads moving to zero tax, while noodles, namkeens, chocolates, sauces, butter, and ghee will come down to 5 percent.
Healthcare, often the biggest worry for families, is now cheaper. All health and life insurance policies are GST-free, cutting premiums straight away.
Lifesaving drugs for cancer and rare diseases are tax-free, and most other medicines and diagnostic kits will carry only a 5 percent tax. From bandages and testing kits to surgical devices, lower rates mean reduced hospital and treatment costs.
Everyday services that families use are also easier on the pocket. A haircut, a yoga class, or a gym membership will now come with just 5 percent GST instead of 18 percent.
Even hotel stays under Rs7,500 a night will be cheaper, making travel more affordable.
Bigger purchases have not been left out. Small cars, motorcycles, televisions, and air-conditioners will be taxed at 18 percent instead of 28, while cement too drops to 18 percent — a direct boost for home builders and buyers.
For the middle class, these reforms are not abstract policy. They mean cheaper groceries, lighter insurance bills, reduced medical expenses, and savings on both small comforts and big purchases.
Moreover, less tax at every step of daily life translates into more breathing space for the common man.
