Sitharaman claims no GST rate increases since implementation

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed questions about the Goods and Services Tax (GST) during an event in Chennai. She strongly stated that no GST rates have increased since the tax was implemented. Sitharaman criticized claims suggesting that the Modi government raised rates, calling it "false propaganda." She acknowledged that many citizens want lower GST on essential items and expressed willingness to consider rate cuts. However, she clarified that decisions on GST are made collectively by all state finance ministers, highlighting that politicians from various parties are involved in the process. Sitharaman also confronted misinformation circulating on social media regarding tax rates before and after GST. She urged people to understand that these comparisons are misleading. She emphasized that every tax decision was reached through collaboration among multiple ministers. In her remarks, she pointed out that complaints about taxation, such as on popular products like coconut oil and Parle biscuits, do not reflect the reality, as no single entity is responsible for these decisions. Ultimately, she reiterated that misinformation about GST should be corrected and emphasized that all parties have participated in its decision-making process.