Kolkata/Mumbai, October 14 (IANS). Due to GST reforms, shopping received a boost during the festive season, which brought the general public relief. This is expected to facilitate festive expenses and give relief to the budget of families. The decision made by the central government to lower GST tariffs is beneficial to the public. With the implementation of the new rates, everyday commodities such as wheat, rice, pulses, oil, rusks, cashew nuts, almonds, pistachios, namkeen, tooor dal and home appliances such as TV, washing machines and refrigerators have become cheaper. As a result, the purchase power of the people increased and the markets regained their vibrancy. Due to the high GST rates, people had made limited purchases earlier, which affected sales of traders, but now a crowd of customers at the stores are seen. Ajay Madnani, a Kolkata shop owner, said: “After GST rationalization, purchases have increased by customers due to the reduction in prices. Since September 22, customers have received goods at cheaper prices because their numbers have increased. The sales are increasing due to the purchase of daily necessities and we hope it will increase the business.” Another customer, Biswadeep Sarkar, said: “The reduction in GST has reduced the prices of goods in the market by 5 percent. This is a great relief for the ordinary population. If you can save Rs 10 in Rs 100, you can invest the money somewhere else, which will increase the economy.” Kamla of Mumbai also praised the GST reforms and said it gave a new direction to the business. This time on Diwali, the enthusiasm in the markets is double and people buy in large numbers. Businessmen believe this decision will give new energy to the country’s economy. Hemlata Desai, a Mumbai housewife, said emotionally: “Earlier, due to high GST tariffs, the household budget would be spoiled, but with the reduced GST, kitchen items and other essential items became cheaper. This time Diwali preparations are special because all the needs are fulfilled at home.” The housewife Seema moons, based in Mumbai, said: “The reduction in GST has balanced the household expenses. Earlier, essential items had to be purchased in limited quantities. Now kitchen items and other needs are satisfied at cheaper prices. These Diwali will be special to us this time.” Similarly, another housewife vidya Poddar expressed happiness and said: “With the reduction in GST, it became easier to manage the household budget. Now preparations for festivals are being done without any pressure. I thank the government and Premier Narendra Modes.” Daroga Choubey, representative of the general public, said: “Due to the reduction in GST, the prices of goods have dropped in the market. This is a matter of relief to the ordinary people. We can use the spare money for other needs, which will also benefit the economy.” Mumbai -shop owner Mohanlal Kumat said: “The reduction in GST has given a new direction to the business. Customers are now going shopping with more enthusiasm. This time on Diwali, the brightness of the markets is double. We thank the government and Premier Narendra Modi.” —IANS AKS/DKP
GST BACHAT UTSAV: Markets in Mumbai and Kolkata are bright, bumper increase in festive shopping
