Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has welcomed the Narendra Modi government’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, stating that they will directly benefit the state’s residents.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Majhi highlighted the positive impact of the reforms on various sectors in Odisha.
The Chief Minister specifically mentioned the reduction of GST on kendu leaves from 18% to 5%. This move, he said, will immensely help kendu leaf pluckers in Odisha, boosting sales and ensuring better earnings for thousands of workers engaged in this sector.
Majhi emphasized that this decision will have a direct and positive impact on the livelihoods of these workers.
“Reduction of tax on kendu leaves from 18% to 5% will lead to an increase in sales volume through government procurement agencies. This move is expected to benefit workers engaged in kendu leaf collection, enabling them to receive higher prices from vendors in deregulated areas”, stated Majhi.
Majhi also noted that lowering GST on agricultural equipment will reduce farming costs, bringing relief to farmers. Cheaper farm tools, he said, will improve agricultural productivity while easing the financial burden on cultivators. This move is expected to benefit the state’s agricultural sector, contributing to the overall economic development of Odisha.
“It will ease the financial burden on farmers, lower production costs, and make these items more affordable. This step will encourage growth in the sector, strengthen rural income, and contribute to food security for the nation. By reducing costs and increasing affordability, the GST reforms are expected to have a positive impact on the agricultural.”
The Chief Minister further highlighted the benefits of the GST reforms for Odisha’s coal sector. With rationalization in GST, the state’s coal industry is expected to gain more, strengthening the state’s revenue base. This, in turn, will have a positive impact on the state’s economy.
Majhi also stressed that middle-class and lower-middle-class families will gain significantly from the GST reforms. With GST exemption on health insurance, more people are likely to opt for health insurance policies, improving healthcare security for households. This move is expected to provide financial relief to families and promote healthcare accessibility.
Majhi has, also, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for introducing the historic Next-Generation GST reforms.
In a tweet, CM Majhi lauded the central government’s efforts, stating that these reforms mark a transformative milestone for the nation.
“Odisha extends heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji and Union Finance Minister Smt. @nsitharaman Ji for ushering in the historic Next-Generation GST reforms. These reforms mark a transformative milestone for the nation, empowering MSMEs, creating jobs, boosting consumption, and, most importantly, enhancing the financial capacity of our people. This is a true testament to a people-centric Government committed to the welfare of every section of society,” read CM’s tweet.
