New Delhi, Sept 22: In a significant move to ease financial burdens on middle-class consumers, new Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms were implemented, reducing tax rates on various essential and non-essential items.

Daily necessities such as soap and toiletries now attract a reduced GST of 5% instead of 18%, saving families approximately Rs 500 on a Rs 5,000 bill. Food items will see tax rates drop to 0% or 5%, potentially saving families up to Rs 1,000 monthly.

Additionally, educational supplies and medicines for rare diseases will benefit from lower taxation, with some cancer drugs now exempt. Other product adjustments include substantial price reductions on TVs and solar heaters.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the reforms as a ‘GST saving festival’ for the Indian populace, parti

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