‘GST SAVINGS FESTIVAL—A NEW WAY TO FOOL THE PUBLIC

‘GST SAVINGS FESTIVAL—A NEW WAY TO FOOL THE PUBLIC

24-SEP-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA----------------------Whenever elections draw near, governments in the country come up with new festivals and offers to appease the public. The latest example is the "GST Savings Festival." The name itself makes it seem as if the public is about to receive a significant gift. But what is the reality?

First, increase inflation. Let the prices of everything—vegetables, oil, gas, clothing, medicine, education—soar daily. Then, slightly reduce prices on some items and announce, "Look, we've provided relief to the public." And call that relief "GST Savings Festival." The question is, is the public saving, or is the government saving face?

The reality is that the relief being trumpeted has already been taken from the public's pockets. First, empty the pockets, then put a coin or two in them and get applause—this is the new formula of politics. But perhaps this time, the public isn't from 2014, but from 2025. Now, people have realized that reducing inflation is just a sham. Neither the flashy slogans on social media nor such celebrations will be able to fool people. "First, increase inflation, then celebrate savings."