The Union Budget 2025 was expected to bring much-needed relief for businesses and consumers through GST rationalization, but yet again, the government has chosen to ignore the issue. Despite mounting pressure from industry leaders and the public, the budget failed to simplify the complex and burdensome GST structure, leaving small businesses and ordinary citizens struggling with high tax rates on essential goods.

No GST Relief: A Betrayal of Expectations

For years, businesses have demanded a simplified GST framework, arguing that the current tax slabs are unnecessarily complicated and financially draining. Consumers, too, have been waiting for a reduction in GST on essential items like food, medicine, and daily-use products. But what did the government do? Absolutely nothing.

• No reduction in tax rates for essential goods – This means the common man continues to pay high prices for necessities.
• No simplification of GST slabs – Businesses must continue to deal with a confusing and inefficient tax structure.
• No relief for small traders – Compliance remains costly and time-consuming, making survival harder for local businesses.

Who Benefits? Certainly Not the Common Man

Instead of addressing real economic concerns, the government’s focus on income tax cuts helps only a section of the population while ignoring millions of small businesses, traders, and consumers who bear the brunt of high GST rates.

• Small business owners are still drowning in compliance costs.
• Middle-class families continue to struggle with inflation and high prices on everyday items.
• Daily wage workers get no relief, as high GST rates drive up the cost of essential goods.

A Missed Opportunity to Ease Financial Burden

The government had a golden opportunity to rationalize GST, lower tax rates on essential commodities, and reduce compliance headaches for businesses. Instead, it chose to do nothing, keeping the burden firmly on the shoulders of those who need relief the most.

A Budget That Favors a Few, While Ignoring Millions

The failure to reform GST in Budget 2025 is a clear sign that the government is out of touch with ground realities. While tax breaks for the salaried class may be welcomed, the larger economic pain points remain unaddressed.

The question remains: How long will small businesses and consumers be ignored? When will the government finally listen to the voices of those who keep the economy running?

This budget could have been an opportunity for real change, but instead, it has left millions with disappointment and frustration.