<h1>Next-Gen GST cuts take effect from Navratri, consolidating four slabs into two and boosting jobs, consumption, investment</h1> Union government announced implementation of 'Next-Gen' GST reforms effective from Navratri, including reduction of tax rates, consolidation of slabs from four to two, and resolution of classification issues; the finance ministry is actively monitoring prices of 54 designated products and reports benefits have been passed to end consumers. The commerce minister characterized the package as broad tax relief (stated aggregate relief c. Rs 2.5 lakh crore) and the reforms are credited with boosting consumption, investment and employment-notably double-digit electronics manufacturing growth, creation of over 2.5 million jobs, record retail sales and the commissioning of two semiconductor facilities.