Good and Simple Tax

Making Life Easier, One Cut At A Time

Yuvika Satija, AIS Gur 46, XII J

September 22 hasn’t arrived quietly. The GST rate cut is more than just another line in the Finance Ministry’s notifications - for millions of Indians, it’s a small but welcome shift in their daily math. It could mean a lighter bill, a slightly fuller shopping bag, or even the luxury of finally saying yes to something that has been on hold. On paper, the government’s decision to cut GST rates on select goods and services may look like a few percentage points shaved off, but in the daily rhythm of life, these small numbers carry a surprising weight.
Consider a middle-class household planning for the festive season. A 2% or more tax reduction might not rewrite their budget, but it softens the edge of inflation’s bite. Toiletries like toothpaste, shampoo, and hair oil that previously sat at 18 percent GST will now come under 5 percent, and essentials such as roti, UHT milk, and paneer have been moved to a nil-rate category. That means an extra box of sweets, another set of diyas, or even the long-postponed family trip can feel a little more within reach. For the small business owners, GST cuts can translate into better margins, renewed competitiveness, and in some cases, the difference between survival and shutdown.
What makes the move significant isn’t just the relief it brings, but what it symbolises. Taxes are rarely loved, but they are tolerated when they feel fair and responsive. In recent years, GST has often been a source of complaint; too high, too complex, too harsh on small traders. These cuts, then, are more than fiscal adjustments; they are signals. Signals that policymakers listen, that the system is not immovable, and that the government does choose to ease rather than squeeze.
Of course, no good news arrives without its shadows. Economists warn about the fiscal impact: the overhaul is expected to cost the government around 48,000 crore INR in forgone revenue, far less than earlier projections, but still a significant hit. Will industries pass on benefits, or quietly pocket the margin while consumers remain none the wiser? Policy intentions, after all, often seem to falter in the marketplace. A GST cut written in Delhi does not guarantee a cheaper plate of momo in Dehradun. The burden of ensuring fairness lies as much with the watchdogs as with the businesses.
And yet, despite these questions, one cannot deny the mood such cuts create. Taxes are not just instruments of revenue; they are instruments of sentiment. A nation feeling pinched by rising costs finds a psychological lift in knowing that something, no matter how small, is being returned to them. In that sense, the GST cut is as much about confidence as it is about consumption. It fuels hope that wallets need not always be stretched to breaking points.
For rural India, where every rupee stretches further, this change could matter even more. A cheaper utility, a lower service cost, an affordable product - these ripple effects reach beyond the metros into smaller towns and villages, where government decisions often feel far away. Here, a tax cut isn’t abstract; it is a part of their everyday life.
Perhaps the real story is not the rates themselves, but the reminder they carry. It shows us that governance is not only about balancing spreadsheets, but about tilting scales, however slightly, in favour of ordinary lives. A percentage cut may not transform the economy overnight, but it certainly transforms, even if for a brief duration, the way people feel about living in it.

Values in India’s festivals

This edition is particularly special as it coincides with the beginning of Navratri and a host of other festivals celebrated across India. Our GT journalists have done a commendable job compiling a list of lesser-known regional festivals of India as well, shining a light on the vibrant folk traditions and customs that continue to thrive in different parts of our incredible Bharat. As I read about these festivals, I was struck by how each celebration is a treasure trove of values and life lessons. One of the most profound messages these festivals carry is the deep respect and love for nature. Whether it is grains, grass, sand, sun, air or water, our festivals honour their vital role in sustaining life. The rituals and Vedic mantras convey timeless messages of love, devotion, and care for the environment. Long before terms like eco-consciousness, eco-friendly, or sustainability became popular, our sages understood nature’s essential role in creating life’s balance. Perhaps that is why traditional festive practices deliberately include restrictions on activities that could harm the earth, preserving it for future generations.
Same goes for the rituals of fasting observed across the communities. Today, experts promote detox and cleansing as health trends, but our festivals always came intertwined with mindful fasting. Our festivals instil other priceless values as well - discipline, gratitude, community spirit and more. Heritage celebrations like Kullu Dusshera and Bommai Golu remind us that these are not just times for fun and feasting, but a collective effort at harmony and brotherhood. I wish all my children a happy festive season and hope that you imbibe these values as a way of life!

For a noble cause

Youth Power enters its 17th year, unveiling the ambassadors of change for 2025-26, and I feel immense gratitude towards our beloved Chairperson ma’am whose vision has nurtured India’s first-of-its-kind youth sensitisation programme. Looking back, Amitians have raised awareness on hundreds of issues, impacting thousands of lives across the globe - from writing to the PMO to save birds to conserving India’s heritage. Now, our new YP teams are set to carry this legacy forward. AIS Noida will champion the cause of autism, while AIS MV will shed light on the ignored issue of PCOS/PCOD among teenage girls. AIS Saket will create awareness about vitiligo, and AIS Vas 1 will explore solutions to insomnia, a rising concern for all age groups. AIS Gur 43 will focus on reducing caffeine intake for healthier living and AIS Gwalior will equip society with the life-saving skill of first aid. Our eco-warriors are ready as well - AIS Gur 46 will promote eco-friendly celebrations, AIS VKC will put the spotlight on energy conservation, AIS Jagdishpur will draw your attention to air pollution, and AIS Vas 6 will share insights on mindful plantation practices to maximise afforestation benefits. AIS VYC, recognising the perils of hyperconsumerism, will urge us to think about what and how much we buy, while AIS PV will empower people with financial literacy.
These causes are as exciting as they are relevant, and I look forward to witnessing how our ambassadors will bring them alive. Our alumni have often credited Youth Power for their success in college and careers. I hope this year, too, fosters the spirit of giving back to society and raising the nation above self.

GT M@il

Dear Editor,
This is in reference to the Hindi article ‘Social media aur hum,’ published on page 5 of The Global Times edition dated September 15, 2025. The article touched upon a major concern in today’s technology-driven world, ie, social media and how it affects our overall development. It emphasises on the growing use of social media across all ages, especially students. The piece beautifully weaves daily life and social media usage, while also carefully elaborating our over-dependence, and reliance on the internet. The writer has eloquently presented that raising awareness about the detrimental effects of excessive social media use is the foundational step for tackling this digital epidemic.
Thank you, GT, for giving us this essential reminder to reconnect with our intellect, and the real world, instead of just scrolling through virtual platforms mindlessly for hours and hours.
Iha Nuvi, AIS Gurugram 43, XI B