Opposition demands GST simplification and reduction in India

Opposition leaders in India are calling for changes to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), saying it is too complicated and burdensome for poor people. During a debate on the Finance Bill 2025, Supriya Sule from the NCP-SP emphasized the need for simpler tax rates. She asked the Finance Minister when India would have "one nation one tax," as the current system has many different tax rates. Sule also mentioned a proposed zero tariff policy from the United States. She urged the government to clarify its position on this issue, as it could negatively impact India’s exports of agricultural and pharmaceutical products starting April 2. Saugata Roy from the TMC criticized the current Finance Minister, calling for former minister Manmohan Singh to handle India's economic challenges. He argued that the government’s claims about becoming a major economy are unrealistic since India has not yet reached a USD 5 trillion economy, unlike the US and China. Abhay Kumar Sinha from the RJD pointed out that basic items like soap and matchboxes are taxed at a high rate of 28%. He said this affects the poor, as only 2% of people pay income tax, indicating that most do not earn enough. Devesh Shakya from the SP echoed these concerns, saying ordinary people pay too much in taxes. He urged the government to consider reducing the tax burden on its citizens.