GST reforms to boost Bengal's economy, says Sitharaman
GST
Dated:- 18-9-2025
PTI
Kolkata, Sep 18 (PTI) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday outlined the key features of the Next Gen GST reforms, emphasising that the new tax structure will benefit the people of India, particularly the poor, middle class, farmers, MSMEs, and several key industries in West Bengal.
Sitharaman said that the new GST rates would be implemented from September 22, in time for the Durga Puja which is the biggest festival of the state.
Addressing a GST-related discussion at the National Library's Language Building in Kolkata, she said that the reforms are a comprehensive effort to reduce tax rates, ease compliance, and clear business con
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ive of party or affiliation, thanking them for playing a very constructive role, as the people of India need this reduction now,” she said.
“I am happy to say that the determination of September 22 as the implementation date for Next Gen GST was largely influenced by Puja. The Shubh Mangal Diwas when the revamped GST comes into effect coincides with the first day of Navratri, the day after Mahalaya. There is, therefore, a strong influence of Bengal in this decision-making,” she said.
The message from Bengal will go on to inspire the rest of the country, just as it did during the independence struggle and as Bengal has always done in leading the nation, Sitharaman said.
“Durga Puja is Bengal's biggest festival, and people in the state mak
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She noted that the new GST structure would bring down taxes on essential goods and promote local craftsmanship.
Sitharaman also pointed out that products like ‘Nakshi Kantha’ (embroidered clothes), Malda's mangoes, Darjeeling tea, jute bags, hosiery, and ready-made garments would directly benefit from the new reforms.
The finance minister expressed optimism that these changes would spur growth across various sectors in the state.
“From small-scale industries to agricultural products, the new GST framework will open up new opportunities in the market, which will also help the state's economy,” she said.
“Bengal is known for its rich craftsmanship and agricultural products, and with the new tax rates, we expect increased sales during the
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