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JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir BJP Spokesperson Gaurav Gupta said that the Modi Government has once again delivered on its promise of 'Ease of Living' by announcing the Next-Gen GST Reform, a landmark Diwali gift that will directly benefit households, farmers, students, and businesses across the nation. He said this reform is not just a tax adjustment but a people-first initiative designed to ease family budgets, reduce agricultural costs, make healthcare affordable, support education, and empower small entrepreneurs.

He expressed these views while addressing a press conference along with party spokesperson Balbir Ram Rattan and Media Incharge Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, at party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu. Gupta explained that household essentials such as hair oil, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, tooth brushes, shaving cream, butter, ghee, cheese, namkeens, utensils, feeding bottles, clinical diapers, and sewing machines, will now attract only 5% GST. This will bring immediate relief to every family by reducing monthly household expenditure.

Highlighting the importance of rural prosperity, Gourav Gupta said tractors, tyres, bio-pesticides, micro-nutrients, drip irrigation systems, and cultivation and harvesting machinery have all been reduced to just 5% GST. This bold move will cut down input costs and directly raise farmers’ incomes, strengthening the rural economy.

Gourav Gupta further stated that the government has taken a giant step to make healthcare affordable. Health and life insurance premiums, earlier taxed at 18%, are now exempt from GST, while essential items like oxygen, diagnostic kits, corrective spectacles, and glucometer strips have been brought down to 5%. Similarly, education has been made completely tax-free with GST removed from notebooks, maps, charts, pencils, crayons, and erasers, ensuring that children’s learning is free from financial burden.

Gupta emphasized that the Modi Government had already provided massive relief to the middle class by exempting annual income up to ₹12 lakh from income tax. Now, with the Next-Gen GST Reform, the middle class enjoys a double benefit – savings through income tax relief and reduced costs on everyday essentials, electronics, and vehicles. Hybrid and CNG cars, motorcycles, and transport vehicles have been reduced from 28% to 18%, while air conditioners, televisions, projectors, and dishwashers have also been lowered to 18%. This will allow middle-class families to save more, live better, and improve their quality of life.

Gupta also highlighted that the reform is not limited to tax cuts but also simplifies compliance for businesses. With automatic GST registration in just three working days, faster refunds, and a simplified tax structure, small enterprises and MSMEs will be able to focus on growth and innovation instead of paperwork and procedural hurdles.

Concluding, BJP Spokesperson Gaurav Gupta said that the Next-Gen GST Reform reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas. It ensures real savings in every household, greater prosperity for farmers, accessible healthcare, affordable education, and an enabling environment for businesses. “This Diwali, while diyas will brighten homes, Modi Sarkar’s reforms will brighten lives. This is not just a policy announcement – this is Modi Ji’s guarantee,” he said.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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