Union Finance Minister Addresses Kolkata on “Next-Gen GST Reforms”
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency Kolkata: New Generation GST is not only about Reducing Rates & Easing Burden on Citizens, but also about Cleaning Confusion faced by Businesses: Smt Nirmala Sitharaman
GST Slash on Handicrafts from Bengal like Leather Goods of Santiniketan
or Masks of Purulia
Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, today visited the city, where she addressed industrialists, stakeholders, common people outlining the revolutionary steps the Central Government has undertaken under the Next-Gen GST Reforms. She stated how these reforms are designed to simplify tax structure, boost affordability, strengthen compliance, and stimulate industrial growth, with a special focus on how they will benefit the diverse businesses, crafts and industries of West Bengal.
Smt. Sitharaman was joined by the Union Minister of State for Education and Development of North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar among other dignitaries.
In her address the Union Minister projected the various prospects of the second-generation GST reforms which are going to be effective from September 22, 2025. She underlined that the reforms have been timed to coincide with the beginning of the Durga Puja festivities in Bengal, as a mark of relief and celebration for citizens and industries alike.
Smt Sitharaman discussed in length about the rationalisation of GST slabs, with most goods and services now falling into primary rates of 5% for essential items and 18% for most others, reduction of GST on numerous essential food items, medicines, health insurance, and daily-use consumer goods, thereby easing household budgets, lower GST rates on household electronics, digital learning tools, and items for educational institutions.
The Union Minister also spoke on sustainability-friendly products like composting machines that also benefit from reduced GST.
The reforms are expected to inject approximately ₹2 lakh crore into the economy by enhancing consumption and easing the tax burden.
Recognising the cultural and economic significance of Bengal, Smt. Sitharaman highlighted that a number of crafts and products of the state have been included under the rationalised GST regime. She noted that this will not only promote Bengal’s artisanal heritage but also strengthen local economies across districts:
· Shantiniketan Leather Goods – GST reduced from 12% to 5% (Birbhum district)
· Bankura Panchmura Terracotta Craft – GST reduced from 12% to 5% (Bankura district)
· Purulia Chhau Masks – GST reduced from 12% to 5% (Purulia district)
· Nakshi Kantha – GST reduced from 12% to 5% (Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia districts)
· Processed Malda Mango – GST reduced from 12% to 5% (Malda district)
· Darjeeling Tea – GST reduced from 18% to 5% (Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts)
The Union Finance Minister underlined that these changes will directly empower artisans, farmers, and small entrepreneurs of Bengal, making their products more competitive in both domestic and global markets.
She reiterated that the simplified slabs and lower rates are designed not only to give relief to common citizens but also to create a predictable and fair environment for businesses, particularly MSMEs and industrialists.