<h1>GST Launch on July 1: Promises Long-Term Benefits for Consumers and Traders, Exempts Agriculture, Aims to Boost Economy.</h1> Union minister announced that the Goods and Services Tax (GST), set to be implemented on July 1, will benefit consumers and traders in the long term despite potential initial challenges. Described as the nation's biggest tax reform since independence, GST aims to enhance transparency, economic integration, and national unity. It exempts agriculture and eliminates issues like inspector-raj and inter-state check posts, promising to reduce inflation and improve business conditions. While 142 countries have adopted GST, India's implementation is notable due to its size and population. A special parliamentary session will commemorate this significant economic transformation.