Introduction
The government has given a big gift to the common people. From September 22, 2025, the new GST reform will be implemented, under which food items, stationery, and some health-related products will come under 0% GST (Zero GST). This means these items will now be available at a much cheaper price.
Major Decision of GST Council
In the GST Council meeting held on September 3, 2025, some important changes were announced:
- Now there will be only two GST slabs - 5% and 18%.
- The 12% and 28% slabs have been removed.
- Most products from the 12% slab are shifted to 5%, and most from the 28% slab are moved to 18%.
- Some selected items have been put under 0 GST (Zero Tax).
Which Products Will Have 0 GST?
|
Product |
Old GST |
New GST (From Sep 22) |
|
Paneer and Chhena (Pre-packaged) |
5% |
0% |
|
UHT Milk |
5% |
0% |
|
Pizza Bread |
5% |
0% |
|
Khakhra, Chapati, Roti |
5% |
0% |
|
Paratha, Kulcha, Traditional Breads |
5% |
0% |
|
Personal Health & Life Insurance |
18% |
0% |
|
33 Life-saving Medicines |
Different |
0% |
|
Medical Grade Oxygen |
12% |
0% |
|
Sharpener, Crayon, Pastel |
12% |
0% |
|
Notebook, Pencil, Eraser, Copies |
12% |
0% |
Big Relief for Health & Insurance Sector
- 33 life-saving medicines are now completely tax-free.
- Health and Life Insurance Premiums which earlier had 18% GST will now be cheaper with 0% GST.
- Medical Oxygen has also been made tax-free, which will benefit both hospitals and patients.
How Will Common People Benefit?
- Lower daily expenses - Food items like paneer, milk, roti, paratha are now cheaper.
- Support for students - Stationery items like pencils, notebooks, erasers are now GST-free.
- Affordable healthcare - Medicines and oxygen with zero GST will reduce treatment costs.
- Financial savings - Insurance policies will cost less, giving relief to middle-class and salaried people.
Conclusion
The GST Reform 2.0 from September 22, 2025 is a major relief for the common man. Items included in the Zero GST list like food products, stationery, and health-related goods will ease household budgets. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also assured that this benefit will directly reach the end consumer.
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