Sitharaman: GST Decisions Were Collective, Not Solely Centre’s

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Nirmala Sitharaman GST statements​:Decisions Were Collective, Not Solely Centre’s

Chennai, 19 March: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman dismissed allegations of GST rate increases, asserting that ‘not a single GST rate has been increased.’ Speaking at an event in Chennai, she criticised misinformation surrounding tax policies and called out what she termed ‘false propaganda.’ Nirmala Sitharaman GST statements​ reaffirmed that tax decisions were made collectively, not unilaterally, ensuring state participation in policy formulation.

She reiterated that GST decisions are made collectively, involving representatives from all political parties. ‘Every finance minister was present—Congress, DMK, Communist Party, Telugu Desam, YSRCP. Even today, Congress leaders from Karnataka, Telangana, and West Bengal are part of the process,’ she stated.

While defending the existing tax structure, Sitharaman acknowledged public concerns over GST on essential items. ‘Yes, we can attempt to reduce it more,’ she said, emphasizing that the government remains open to revisions where necessary.

Nirmala Sitharaman GST Statements

Sitharaman Challenges States to Take Responsibility on GST Decisions

Dismissing claims that the Modi government was solely responsible for GST policies, Sitharaman urged critics to question their own state finance ministers. Did your state oppose it? Did they raise objections? Even then, was it passed? she asked, challenging the blame directed at the Centre.

She made it clear that GST policy is not dictated by the Union government alone but is a consensus-driven process. Addressing concerns about essential goods, she reassured, We are working towards further reductions, especially on daily-use items.

Sitharaman Slams Social Media Misinformation on GST

Countering online claims comparing pre- and post-GST tax rates, Sitharaman labeled them misleading. ‘Many people are posting comparisons, but if we examine them closely, we will see that this propaganda is false,’ she asserted.

She also took aim at critics who claim essential items like coconut oil and Parle-G biscuits were taxed under GST. ‘Who taxed them? No one did,’ she said, challenging misinformation spread on social platforms.

Sitharaman concluded by reinforcing the need for factual discourse. ‘Even if you counter those with an agenda, they won’t be convinced. But we must keep repeating the truth: GST decisions are collective, and no single rate has been increased. Don’t spread false propaganda,’ she stated.

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CMS Content Assistant at Vakilsearch
I'm Martina Arokiyaraj A, a CMS Content Assistant at Vakilsearch. I focus on simplifying legal topics into easy-to-understand articles. As a regular contributor to the Vakilsearch news portal, my aim is to keep you informed about the latest in law, compliance, taxation, and more. I make sure you stay updated with Vakilsearch experts' insights on every piece of news, how it impacts you, and the steps you should take.
Martina Arokiyaraj

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Martina Arokiyaraj
Martina Arokiyaraj
I'm Martina Arokiyaraj A, a CMS Content Assistant at Vakilsearch. I focus on simplifying legal topics into easy-to-understand articles. As a regular contributor to the Vakilsearch news portal, my aim is to keep you informed about the latest in law, compliance, taxation, and more. I make sure you stay updated with Vakilsearch experts' insights on every piece of news, how it impacts you, and the steps you should take.

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