Lucknow took centre stage on Tuesday as it hosted the Next-Generation GST Reforms Conclave, a key event celebrating the success of India’s One Nation, One Tax initiative.
Organised by Sarojininagar MLA Dr Rajeshwar Singh, the conclave was held at Hotel Mercure, near Phoenix Palassio Mall. It brought together policymakers, industrialists, and trade leaders to reflect on the transformational impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Former Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Dr Dinesh Sharma graced the occasion, lending his support to the ongoing reform narrative.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Sharma praised the vision behind GST and noted how it has simplified taxation while bringing India closer to a unified economic identity. He commended the efforts of PM Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath in making Uttar Pradesh a leader in economic governance.
Economic Transformation Under GST
MLA Dr Rajeshwar Singh called the GST reform a historic shift from a complex, multi-tax system to one that promotes ease, transparency, and trust. He shared that UP’s GST collection has surged past ₹1.35 lakh crore, nearly doubling since 2017.
The state now boasts a growth rate of 11.6% and has climbed from 14th to 2nd place in the Ease of Doing Business rankings.
He described traders as the ‘silent economic army’ of India and highlighted the government’s focus on phasing out ‘Inspector Raj’ and moving towards a fully digital, self-declaration-based system.
The event also honoured local and regional trade associations from areas such as Amausi, Khazana Market, Telibagh, and Sarafa Bazar.
Industrialists and CAs, including Anil Dheemani, Rishabh Mishra, and Reena Bhargav, shared insights on industrial simplification and the digital transition under GST.
Finance Minister Suresh Khanna’s Address
Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna emphasised that GST was a long-awaited reform that the Modi government implemented with consensus and care. He noted that GST Council decisions—made after 56 meetings—ensured every state’s voice was heard.
In addition, he highlighted several citizen-centric changes, such as zero tax on essentials like bread and life insurance premiums, and reduced rates on hotel rooms and life-saving drugs.
Khanna also pointed out that UP now levies the lowest VAT in India on diesel, petrol, gold, diamonds, and affordable housing, reflecting CM Yogi’s pro-people economic model.
The conclave sent a strong message: under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, CM Yogi, and reform advocates like Dr Dinesh Sharma, Suresh Khanna, and Dr Rajeshwar Singh, Uttar Pradesh is not just keeping pace with India’s growth story—it is helping to lead it.
The conclave concluded with a unified call to continue building a tax system that is fair, modern, and supportive of both industry and the common citizen.
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