<h1>GST reform narrows slab structure, expected to simplify taxation and ease burdens on small traders and consumers.</h1> The GST Council overhauled the indirect tax regime by narrowing the slab structure to a reduced set of primary rates, consolidating multiple previous bands into a simplified architecture to be implemented from the stated commencement date. The state chief minister described the reform as a landmark move, asserting it will particularly affect farmers, small traders and the middle class by improving affordability and easing compliance, and framed the decision as reflecting governmental commitment to uplift lower-income groups.