The government on Sunday said the recent GST reductions are more than tax changes, describing them as measures that will improve affordability, enhance mobility, promote healthier lifestyles and strengthen key industries.
By lowering GST rates on gyms and fitness centres, two-wheelers and small cars, the government said it has reduced the financial burden on households while advancing its long-term vision of encouraging healthy living, affordable transportation and better ease of life.
According to the government, the move will directly benefit the middle class, youth and working professionals, while also stimulating demand in key sectors of the economy.
The GST on gyms and fitness centres has been cut from 18 per cent to 5 per cent, which the government called a step towards building a healthier and more active India. Fitness, once seen as a luxury, is now being made more accessible to wider sections of society. The measure is also aligned with national health initiatives such as the Fit India Movement, which focuses on preventive care and lifestyle changes to reduce chronic illness.
For two-wheelers up to 350cc, GST has been reduced from 28 per cent to 18 per cent. Two-wheelers are described by the government as a lifeline of mobility for millions of Indians, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. The tax cut, it said, will bring relief to lower-middle-class households, young professionals and gig workers who depend on affordable transport for their daily needs.
The GST cut on small cars is expected to encourage first-time buyers to invest in personal mobility. Compact cars are most popular in semi-urban and rural markets, and lower rates could boost sales in these regions, strengthening the auto industry’s presence outside urban centres.
Affordable small cars expand mobility options for young professionals, working parents and students, making daily commuting easier and more reliable. By giving a push to the auto sector, the move will also support job creation in manufacturing, sales, services and financing.
Together, these GST reform measures represent a strong push towards the government’s vision of economic self-reliance, citizen empowerment, and improved ease of living for every Indian.
IANS