Jairam Thakur Slams State Govt Over Extra Goods Tax

Solan, Sept 29: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, during his visit to Solan, strongly criticized the Sukhu-led Himachal government for imposing Additional Goods Tax (AGT), calling it a burden on disaster-hit people. Addressing a Next Generation GST Reforms seminar, he said that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reduced GST to provide relief, the state government is “taxing people more and more.”

Thakur alleged that in the September 15 cabinet meeting, the Sukhu government secretly raised AGT by ₹16, making cement costlier by ₹6 per bag. “When Modi reduced cement prices by ₹40, the state increased it by ₹6. This is betrayal of the people,” he said, demanding immediate rollback of AGT.

He further said the Next Gen GST is the “biggest gift to the nation,” noting that essential items earlier taxed at 30% under UPA are now mostly under the 5% bracket. He highlighted that over 90% items from the 28% GST slab were shifted to 18%, and 99% from 12% to 5%, easing household expenses. Thakur also pointed out tax savings of up to ₹50,000 on cars, ₹10,000 on two-wheelers, and GST exemption on 31 life-saving drugs.

“While the country is happy with these reforms, only Congress leaders are unhappy,” Thakur said, adding that Modi government’s reforms and higher income tax limit will save people ₹2.5 lakh crore annually.