PRAYAGRAJ, Sept. 25 -- UP cabinet minister and district's minister in-charge Swatantra Dev Singh on Wednesday emphasised the transformative impact of GST reforms on the Indian economy, calling it a step towards building a "New India". Speaking at a session with state GST officials at the Circuit House here on Wednesday, the minister said the reforms were paving the way for an economic revolution. Singh said that the long-cherished vision of "One Nation, One Tax, One Market" has now become a reality with the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax. He noted that GST has not only accelerated business growth but has also contributed significantly to improvements in employment, education, and healthcare sectors. The minister highlighted the recent reforms introduced on September 22, under which GST has been streamlined into just two primary tax slabs: 5% and 18%. Additionally, a 40% tax rate has been levied on luxury and high-end goods. Singh said these changes would reduce household expenses, empower farmers, and widen the scope for entrepreneurs. According to him, 90% of goods now fall under the 18% slab, while 99% of essential commodities are taxed at just 5%. Moreover, 33 life-saving medicines have been entirely exempted from GST, ensuring better access to healthcare. He also pointed out that the implementation of GST has helped eliminate corruption at checkpoints, making trade smoother and more transparent. Citing data, Singh said that indirect tax collection has seen a significant rise-from Rs.5.44 lakh crore in 2014 to Rs.22.08 lakh crore in 2024-reflecting the success of the GST regime. The event was attended by Member of Parliament Praveen Patel, mayor Ganesh Kesarwani, MLAs Deepak Patel and Guruprasad Maurya, MLC Surendra Chaudhary, and senior BJP leaders including Sanjay Gupta, Vikramjeet Singh Bhadauria, Ashish Gupta, and Pawan Srivastava....