India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) marks its eighth year since implementation, with mixed assessments from political leaders and economists. The Modi government has described GST as a landmark reform that has increased tax revenues and formalized the tax system. Economist Surjit Bhalla noted that GST has contributed to a large increase in tax revenue and more individuals entering the formal tax net, though he cautioned that tax rates remain high. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted a 44% increase in GST collections for Punjab in June, significantly outpacing the national average growth of 14%. However, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized GST as a tool of economic injustice and corporate cronyism, arguing that it punishes the poor, undermines micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and benefits a few billionaire allies of the Prime Minister. Supporters of GST counter that the system is not anti-federal and that revenue sharing has enhanced state finances. The debate continues as India considers the next steps in evolving its GST framework.