India was treated to yet another festival branded in Prime Minister Modi’s style—this time called the “GST Bachat Utsav.” Billed as a celebration of savings, it promised relief for households and simplicity for businesses. Yet behind the optics lies a sobering truth: this was not a victory lap but a reluctant admission of failure. For eight years, the Goods and Services Tax—touted in 2017 as the most transformative reform of independent India—was marred by poor design, endless tinkering, and political marketing. What is now packaged as a gift to the people is, in fact, a belated course correction, pushed through by electoral pressures and global economic headwinds. To understand this “Utsav,” one must revisit the painful legacy of GST—its broken promises, its inequitable burden, and its lessons for Indian democracy.

Eight Harsh Years of GST

For ninety-six months, GST has weighed heavily on India’s poor and middle class. What was once branded the “Good and Simple Tax” turned into a regressive monster that disproportionately hurt vulnerable families. Conceived to unify the country’s complex fiscal system, GST instead deepened inequality—squeezing household budgets while large corporations reaped the benefits.

The Cost of Living Crisis

As inflation eroded incomes, essentials such as food, fuel, and healthcare were subjected to layered taxes. Millions struggled with higher costs, while the recent 2025 reforms finally offer limited relief. The question remains: are these changes born of genuine concern for citizens or are they simply a political recalibration to cushion global shocks like the “Trump effect”?

The reforms have cut health and life insurance premiums from 18% to 12%, making policies more affordable. For families who barely managed to retain medical cover during the pandemic, this translates into savings worth several........

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