Thu Sep 04 10:08:09 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, focusing on the GST reforms in India:

**GST Reforms Lauded as “Pro-Poor” and “Growth-Oriented” by Andhra Pradesh Leaders**

**VIJAYAWADA, India – September 4, 2025** – Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and other top state officials have hailed the newly announced Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms as a transformative step towards a simpler, citizen-centric, and growth-oriented tax system. The reforms include revised GST slabs across daily essentials, education, healthcare, and agriculture.

Naidu, in a message posted on X, congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, stating that the move would particularly benefit farmers and businesses, improving the overall quality of life for all Indians.

IT Minister Nara Lokesh echoed the sentiment, calling the GST revisions a “historic decision” by the NDA government. As Education Minister, he specifically praised the reduced GST on educational materials like maps, charts, pencils, and exercise books, anticipating it will ease financial burdens on families and bolster the knowledge-driven economy.

Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan also expressed his appreciation, emphasizing the reforms’ focus on people’s welfare. He highlighted the significant relief extended to the poor, middle class, and farmers, along with the complete removal of GST on education and insurance. Kalyan noted that these changes deliver on Modi’s Independence Day promise to usher in the next-generation GST, lightening the tax burden for the common person. He described the GST revisions, coupled with the earlier increase in the Income Tax exemption limit, as a “Diwali gift” to the nation.

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