Perceptions of FMCG Stakeholders on the Goods and Services Tax System in Rajasthan: A Strategic Analysis of GST 2.0

The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India on July 1, 2017, marked a transformational shift in the nation's indirect taxation system, fundamentally altering the operational landscape for the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector. This research examines stakeholder perceptions of GST implementation in Rajasthan's FMCG sector, with particular emphasis on the strategic implications of GST 2.0 reforms announced in 2025. Through a comprehensive analysis of recent empirical studies and policy developments, this paper evaluates the multi-dimensional impact of GST on manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers within Rajasthan's FMCG ecosystem. The study reveals that stakeholder confidence has significantly increased from 59% in 2022 to 85% in 2025 (Deloitte India, 2025; Chaudhri&Jaising, 2025), reflecting growing acceptance of the GST regime despite persistent challenges in compliance, logistics optimization, and price rationalization. The GST 2.0 reforms, particularly the simplification to a two-slab structure (5% and 18%), represent a critical evolution that addresses many stakeholder concerns while introducing new strategic considerations for FMCG businesses operating in Rajasthan and across India (Kotak Mahindra Asset Management, 2025).