PM Modi Hails GST as Landmark Reform, Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Economic Injustice

As the Goods and Services Tax (GST) completed eight years of its implementation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised it as a landmark reform that has reshaped India's economic landscape. However, his statement drew sharp criticism from Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who called GST a tool of economic injustice that has punished the poor and benefited a few corporates.

In a post, Prime Minister Modi said that GST has greatly improved the Ease of Doing Business, particularly for small and medium enterprises. He highlighted that GST has served as an engine for economic growth and fostered cooperative federalism by making states equal partners in integrating India's market.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi criticized the Modi government over the implementation of GST, calling it a tool of economic injustice and corporate cronyism. He alleged that the tax reform favored large corporations and caused challenges for small traders and MSMEs.

Gandhi claimed that over 18 lakh enterprises have shut down since GST was rolled out and accused the government of targeting non-BJP-ruled states with GST dues. He emphasized the need for a tax system that benefits all Indians.

Introduced on July 1, 2017, GST replaced a complex system of indirect taxes with a single tax applicable on the supply of goods and services across India. It aimed to simplify tax compliance, eliminate multiple levies, and enhance economic efficiency.

The idea of a nationwide GST was first proposed in 2000 and gained momentum under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading to its formal rollout in 2017.

According to the source: India Today.