Letters to The Editor — September 5, 2025

GST, a new tax slab

The government’s decision to rationalise and revamp the present Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure, although belated, is commendable, if the goal is to ensure that the interests of the common man are upheld (Front page, September 4). Waiving GST on individual life and health insurance policies is praiseworthy. But it is unfortunate that group medical policies were not given such a concession. Only time will prove whether the new GST policy benefits the poor and the middle class or remains as yet another gimmick by the central government ahead of crucial Assembly elections in several States.

Kshirasagara Balaji Rao,

Hyderabad

Even before the GST Council meets and comes to a decision on GST reforms, the Prime Minister announced in August that GST rates would be rationalised, as a Deepavali gift. The GST Council appears to have meekly endorsed the reforms without any debate or discussion. This does not seem to be the procedure to take when it comes to making key decisions.

V. Padmanabhan,

Bengaluru