PM Modi: Next-Gen GST Reforms to Begin on First Day of Navratri
New Delhi, September 21
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said next-gen GST reforms will be implemented from tomorrow on the first day of Navratri.
Addressing the nation this evening, Mr Modi said GST Bachat Utsav will begin from tomorrow and people can buy their choice of goods at a lesser price. He added that nation’s growth story will be changed with these reforms and youth, neo middle class, farmers, women, shopkeepers, traders, and entrepreneurs will greatly benefit from this Bachat Utsav.
He highlighted that every state will be an equal partner in the journey of nation’s development. He extended his greetings to the nation for the next gen GST reforms, Bachat Utsav and Navratri, saying the nation is taking a significant step forward in the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign from the very first day of Navratri.
Prime Minister remarked that citizens and traders were entangled in a complex web of taxes for decades, including Octroi, Entry Tax, Sales Tax, Excise, VAT, and Service Tax. He pointed out that transporting goods from one city to another required crossing multiple checkpoints, filling numerous forms, and navigating a maze of differing tax rules at every location.
He said his government has simplified the tax system. He pointed out that his government gave priority to GST after coming to power in 2014 after consulting with states and stakeholders. He said dozens of taxes were done away with after the efforts of Centre and States.
Mr Modi highlighted that under the new structure, only 5 percent and 18 percent tax slabs will primarily remain. He said essential items, medicines, health insurance among others have come under the ambit of 5 percent tax. He affirmed that the dream of One Nation-One Tax was realized.
Prime Minister expressed happiness that in the last 11 years, 25 crore people have come out of poverty. He noted that this year, the government has gifted tax relief by making income up to 12 lakh rupees tax-free, bringing substantial ease and convenience to the middle-class. He said the neo middle class has its own aspirations and highlighted steps taken by government to ease their tax burden.
He added that with next gen GST reforms, the poor, neo middle class and middle class have received double bonanza and now they will have to shell out less cash for appliances and vehicles. He further stated that tourism will also be ecnomical with hotel prices coming down.
Mr Modi expressed happiness over the response of shopkeepers towards the GST reforms. He noted that they are actively working to pass on the benefits of GST reductions to customers. The Prime Minister highlighted that in many places, boards displaying price comparisons-before and after the reforms-are being prominently displayed.
Mr Modi said his government is moving ahead with the mantra of Nagrik Devo Bhavah. Prime Minister also made a strong push for manufacturing in India. He emphasised that India’s manufacturing should surpass all benchmarks with dignity and excellence, and the quality of Indian products must enhance the country’s global identity and prestige.
Prime Minister called for every household to become a symbol of Swadeshi and every shop to be adorned with indigenous goods. He appealed to all state governments to actively support the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Swadeshi campaigns by boosting manufacturing in their regions. He affirmed that when the Centre and states move forward together, the dream of a self-reliant India will be fulfilled.