Thu Sep 04 23:23:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh has lauded the central government’s decision to rationalize GST tax slabs, particularly the reduction of levies on essential goods and services. TDP State president Palla Srinivasa Rao believes these reforms will significantly benefit the poor, middle class, farmers, and small businesses by reducing household expenditures, stimulating consumption, and attracting investment. Key changes include the reduction of GST slabs to 5% and 18%, exemptions for essential foods and education, zero GST on 33 life-saving drugs, reduced GST on other medicines, and lowered GST on farm equipment, cement, and steel. Rao sees these changes as a major step towards public health, accessible financial protection, affordable education, and increased economic activity. He specifically thanks Prime Minister Modi, Finance Minister Sitharaman, and the GST Council for their actions.

**News Article:**

**GST Reforms Hailed as “Diwali Gift” to Citizens by TDP**

**VISAKHAPATNAM, Sept. 5, 2025** – The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is celebrating the central government’s newly implemented GST reforms, describing them as a pivotal moment for India’s economy and a significant boost for its citizens.

TDP Andhra Pradesh President Palla Srinivasa Rao praised the reduction of GST tax slabs and the levies on essential goods and services, calling them a “Diwali gift” to the nation. Speaking on Thursday, Mr. Rao stated that the reforms, announced during the 56th GST Council meeting, promise tangible relief to the poor, the middle class, farmers, and small businesses.

“By easing the indirect tax burden, the Centre has extended a strong assurance for the future of the poor and the middle class,” Mr. Rao said.

The reforms see the four-tier GST system reduced to two slabs of 5% and 18%, with daily consumption items moving to the lower tax bracket. Ultra-high temperature milk, paneer, and bread are now completely exempt from GST.

In a major move for public health, GST has been removed entirely from 33 life-saving drugs, while levies have been reduced on others. Three critical drugs for cancer and other severe ailments will now also carry a zero tax burden.

“This is a milestone for public health,” stated Mr. Rao. “Families battling chronic illnesses will get the much-needed respite.”

The exemption of GST on personal life and health insurance policies, including family floater and senior citizen schemes, is also expected to make financial protection more accessible. Education has also been exempted from GST, making learning more affordable.

Furthermore, GST on farm equipment has been lowered from 12% to 5%, providing support to farmers, while reduced GST on cement and steel from 28% to 18% is set to stimulate real estate and infrastructure development.

Mr. Rao concluded by saying that these reforms will boost domestic markets, attract investment, and propel national economic growth. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and the GST Council for this “historic intervention.”

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