GST Now Integral to Daily Life, Says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

• GST part of daily life – Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said GST has become deeply integrated into people’s daily lives.
• Widespread influence – Its impact is seen in everything, from morning tea to dinner.
• Lower tax burden – 99% of items that were earlier in the 12% slab are now under the 5% bracket.
• Rise in taxpayers – Registered taxpayers have increased to 1.5 crore, aided by transparent and simplified procedures.
• Higher collections – GST collections have grown to ₹22.08 lakh crore.
• Collective decision-making – All GST Council decisions are taken with the active participation of state finance ministers.

Chennai, Sept 2025 : Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday highlighted the transformative impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), describing it as a reform that has become an inseparable part of people’s everyday lives. Speaking at an event in Chennai, she noted that GST touches “everything from the morning cup of tea to the dinner table,” delivering tangible benefits to ordinary citizens.

Sitharaman underlined that 99 percent of items that were previously taxed at 12 percent have now been shifted to the 5 percent slab. This, she said, has made a wide range of essential goods more affordable, reducing the financial burden on households. The move has also lowered input costs for industries, bringing down production expenses and ensuring relief for consumers.

Emphasizing the growing trust in the system, the finance minister pointed out that the number of registered taxpayers has risen significantly — from 66 lakh in 2017 to 1.5 crore today. She attributed this rise to the government’s efforts in making tax procedures transparent and classifications simpler. “Clearer and easier policies have eliminated confusion for traders, while encouraging manufacturers and distributors to willingly come under the tax net,” she said.

The minister also highlighted the remarkable growth in GST revenue collections. From ₹7.18 lakh crore in 2018, gross collections have surged to ₹22.08 lakh crore. According to Sitharaman, this growth not only strengthens the central exchequer but also provides greater fiscal resources to state governments.

Acknowledging criticism that GST reforms sometimes appear burdensome, Sitharaman responded firmly: “Some say my job is to trouble people, but the reality is we are working for the nation’s growth.” She reiterated that GST decisions are made collectively, with state finance ministers playing an equal role in the GST Council since its inception.

Concluding her address, the finance minister stressed that GST has established itself as one of India’s most significant economic reforms. By simplifying taxation, expanding the taxpayer base, and making essential items cheaper, it has demonstrated its value both to the common man and to the broader economy.