SEP 28
GST Rationalisation: Driving Growth and Livelihoods in Madhya Pradesh
The recent GST rationalisation has brought wide-ranging benefits for Madhya Pradesh, easing costs across food, agriculture, crafts, and industry. From Indore’s famous namkeen streets to Satna’s cement factories and Maheshwar’s handlooms, the reforms are expected to generate fresh momentum for growth, jobs, and exports.
Food and Agriculture
Indore, the GI-tagged hub for namkeens, sustains 3.5 lakh jobs. With the GST reduced from 12% to 5%, products are now 6–7% cheaper, which boosts both domestic and export demand. Agro-machinery clusters in Indore, Dewas, and Ujjain employ 85,000 people; with GST on tractors and equipment slashed to 5%, small farmers will access tools at 7–13% lower costs.
Handlooms and Crafts
Maheshwari sarees, woven on 2,600 looms, now enjoy 6% price relief, enhancing affordability and global competitiveness. Tribal crafts like Gond paintings, wooden lac toys, terracotta, dokra, bamboo, and brassware also benefit from lower GST, making products 6–10% cheaper. These changes will enhance artisanal incomes, particularly among women and tribal households, while increasing export potential.
Industry and Infrastructure
The cement industry, centered in Satna, employs over 2.5 lakh people. With GST reduced from 28% to 18%, cement bags are ₹25–30 cheaper, fuelling housing and infrastructure demand. Sandstone hubs in Gwalior and Shivpuri, employing 30,000 workers, now see prices fall by about 8%, supporting domestic construction and exports. Footwear clusters in Indore and Gwalior also gain, with footwear under ₹2,500 now 11% cheaper.
Conclusion
By lowering costs and opening new markets, GST rationalisation strengthens livelihoods across Madhya Pradesh’s villages, towns, and industries. Supporting artisans, MSMEs, farmers, and industrial workers alike, the reforms align with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and position the state as a key growth driver toward Viksit Bharat 2047.
