GST improved transparency, widened tax base, increased purchasing power, say experts

Speakers at a workshop on Friday (February 13, 2026) on “Socio-economic impact of GST introduction and reforms on the consumption pattern of the middle and neo middle classes with gender perspective” shed light on the importance of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in bettering the lives of the middle classes, especially women.

The capacity building workshop jointly organised by Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam (SPMVV) Department of Women’s Studies and the New Delhi-based Centre for Women’s Development Studies brought together people from various walks of life such as economists, accountants, entrepreneurs, tax experts, and academicians.

CGST & Customs Commissioner (Tirupati) Satish Dhavale shared how the GST streamlined indirect taxation, improved transparency, widened the tax base, and also strengthened compliance mechanisms.

Similarly, the GST 2.0 led to rationalisation of tax rates that resulted in lower taxes and it, in turn, indirectly improved savings. “This increased the purchasing power benefitted the middle and neo-middle class households,” Mr. Dhavale noted.

SPMVV Registrar R. Usha said that such policy-oriented academic programmes would help young researchers in subjects like taxation and public policy gain insights in real-time economic developments.

G. Ramamani, Assistant Commissioner, Central Tax & Customs, explained the practical aspects of GST implementation and its impact on small businesses and women entrepreneurs. A. Parthasaradhi, Chairman of ICMAI, Tirupati, spoke on consumption patterns under GST 2.0, distribution effects and women’s role in decisions pertaining to expenditure.

SVU retired professor of economics D. Krishnamoorthy, chartered accountants M.C. Venkatanath and Bhagya Teja, SPMVV assistant professor of Law G. Indira Priyadarshini, entrepreneur C. Komala, author S.V. Bharathi discussed industry perspectives, MSME experiences and legal aspects.

SPMVV’s P. Neeraja and CWDS representative Vandana acted as the event coordinators.