Shimla, Sept. 22 -- The implementation of the revised Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates from Monday has been widely welcomed across Shimla, with residents, vendors, and traders calling it a "positive step" that will directly benefit ordinary citizens, reduce inflation, and boost business activity in the coming festive season.

Locals pointed out that the decision to simplify slabs into primarily 5 percent and 18 percent, while lowering or eliminating GST on several essential commodities, will ease household expenses and create wider economic opportunities.

"The public will benefit a lot from this move because no item will have GST above 18 percent now. Items that earlier had 28 percent GST are down to 5 percent or even exempted. Milk, c...