BJP State spokesperson Vinusha Reddy on Thursday conducted a GST awareness programme at VR Multi Speciality Hospital in Prakash Nagar in Kurnool to educate citizens, hospital staff, and patients about the new GST policy introduced by the Central government.

Doctors, staff, and patients participated in the session and interacted with Ms. Reddy to understand the benefits of the GST reforms. She explained that the former four tax slabs had now been simplified into two, making India’s tax system more transparent and citizen-friendly. “This reform demonstrates the Narendra Modi government’s commitment to reducing the tax burden on the middle-class and promoting economic growth,” Ms. Reddy said.

She said that for the first time, the prices of essential commodities had been significantly reduced with 99% of goods now falling under 0% or 5% GST slabs. “Items such as pencils, books, stationery, paneer, and several food products are now completely tax-free,” she said.

In the health sector, 33 life-saving medicines had been made tax-free, while the rest will attract only 5% tax. Additionally, life and term insurance policies were now completely exempt from GST, encouraging more citizens to opt for financial protection, she added.

Ms. Reddy urged people to compare old and new GST rates and ensure that businesses were passing on the benefits of reduced tax to consumers. If any businesses failed to do so, citizens should report it to the concerned authorities. A question and answer session was held later, where Ms. Reddy clarified the queries of the doctors and staff.