Industry Reactions on GST 2.0 from CII.
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency Kolkata: From Logistics Sector –The GST Council’s decision to reduce tax on motor vehicles for transport of goods from 28% to 18% is a timely boost for the logistics sector. This will bring down fleet acquisition costs, ease working capital pressure, and directly improve cost efficiency in goods movement. When aligned with initiatives such as the West Bengal Logistics Policy, 2023, which targets a 40% reduction in logistics costs over five years, the GST reforms will accelerate the creation of a more efficient and globally competitive logistics network in India.
Mr Debashis Dutta, Chairman, CII West Bengal State Council and Director, BGS Group
From Medical Sector –
The GST Council’s reforms are a major boost for healthcare accessibility. Reduced GST on critical items like medical-grade oxygen, anaesthetics, and diagnostic essentials from 12% to 5%, along with exemption of life-saving drugs such as Agalsidase Beta and Imiglucerase, will directly bring down treatment costs. Equally important is the exemption of health and life insurance, which makes medical coverage more affordable and ensures wider access to essential healthcare amenities for families across India.
Mr Rupak Barua, Vice Chairman, CII West Bengal State Council and MD & CEO, Woodlands Hospital
From MSME Sector –
GST 2.0 brings significant relief for MSMEs in Eastern India, where small enterprises and rural industries form the backbone of the economy. The reduction in GST rates on essential goods, coupled with automated refunds and simpler compliance, will free up working capital and reduce costs. These reforms will not only strengthen local businesses and farmers but also stimulate rural consumption, creating fresh momentum for growth across the region.
Mr Namit Bajoria, Chairman, CII West Bengal MSME Panel and Managing Director, KUTCHINA Homemakers Pvt Ltd.
From Real Estate Sector –
The GST rate cut on cement will have a measurable, though modest, impact on housing costs. For affordable housing of around 800 sq. ft., buyers can expect savings of about ₹12,000, while mid-level homes of 1,200 sq. ft. will see savings of nearly ₹18,000, and luxury apartments of 3,000 sq. ft. about ₹54,000. While the reduction amounts to roughly ₹15 per sq. ft. out of an overall construction cost of ₹4,000 per sq. ft., the move is nonetheless positive, as it eases costs across segments and provides additional relief to homebuyers.
Mr Sushil Mohta, Chairman, CII IGBC Kolkata Chapter and Chairman, Merlin Group
From Manufacturing Sector -
GST 2.0 is truly a game-changer for industry, ordinary citizens, and the entire economy. Shifting to a two-rate GST structure (5% and 18%) is a bold step, delivering relief to consumers and fueling economic growth by removing the 12% and 28% slabs. These reforms lower costs for manufacturers, make private investment easier, and boost global competitiveness. Labour-intensive sectors can now grow faster and create more jobs. The Council’s move to automated GST registration (within three days) and the provision for 90% refund on provisional basis in cases of inverted duty structure will improve liquidity for businesses. These changes will reduce compliance burdens, lower costs and help sustain India’s growth momentum.
Mr Sanjay Budhia, Chairman, CII National Committee on Exports and Managing Director, PATTON Group
From International Trade -
As the Chairman of CII Eastern Region International Trade Sub-Committee, I welcome the new GST rate rationalization. GST 2.0 is set to positively impact the exports and imports industry by simplifying tax structures and reducing tax burdens. This reform has a positive impact on exports by treating them as zero-rated supplies, allowing exporters to claim refunds of taxes paid on inputs, which boosts competitiveness and cash flow. On imports, this reform allows for input tax credit set-offs, aligning imported goods' taxation with domestic products. Overall, GST 2.0 aims to create a streamlined, transparent, and cost-efficient tax environment that promotes trade growth and helps Indian exporters overcome challenges like tariff impacts and logistical delays.
Mr Sandeep Kumar, Chairman, CII ER International Trade Sub-Committee & VP (Raw Materials) TATA Steel
From IT Sector -
At the outset I would like to congratulate our Hon’ble Finance Minister for taking a bold decision to rationalize Goods and Services Tax into simplified slabs of 5% and 18 %. I would also like to congratulate our Hon’ble Prime Minister for his visionary leadership in steering these reforms. GST 2.0 marks a remarkable step towards the Information, Communication, and Technology sector by streamlining compliance, fostering greater transparency, and enabling seamless digital transactions. This reform supports smoother business operations and boosts IT exports by clarifying tax norms. It not only simplifies business processes but also accelerates innovation and collaboration, driving India's tech ecosystem towards a more resilient and inclusive future.
Mr Prosenjit Sengupta, Chairman, CII ER ICT Sub-Committee, and Group CDIO ITC Ltd
From Mining & Construction Sector -
On behalf of the members of Eastern Region of CII Mining and Construction Equipment Division I would like to congratulate our Hon’ble Prime Minister for steering this reforms and Hon’ble Finance Minister for implementing GST 2.0 which reflects a citizen- and enterprise-centric approach poised to catalyse consumption, strengthen MSME competitiveness, and reinforce inclusive growth. GST 2.0 is creating a more favorable tax environment for the mining, construction, and equipment sector by reducing tax burdens on key raw materials, rationalizing tax rates on equipment components, cutting compliance complexities, and supporting a broader consumption-led growth strategy in India.
Mr Ravi Todi, Managing Director, BTL EPC, Chairman Eastern Region Council of CII Mining and Construction Equipment Divisi