GST Reforms To Reach States, Local Bodies Now

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has stated that the next wave of reforms following GST 2.0 will focus on improving grassroots governance.

Speaking to CNN-News18, the Finance Minister stated that reforms

must "trickle down to the third level - Panchayats and local bodies," emphasising that such changes are required right now to empower individuals and enhance service delivery.

She said that the new GST system is already benefitting consumers by lowering costs while not affecting capital spending.

"Citizens now have a choice to spend money. Now prices of everything have come down," Sitharaman remarked, emphasising that higher spending will help to boost economy even further.

Meanwhile, she said

public sector insurers have announced measures to pass on benefits to customers, and private players are expected to follow.

Reiterating the government’s vision, Sitharaman said India’s citizens must be respected, and reforms at the state, panchayat and urban local body levels will play a key role in achieving that goal.