New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the launch of a nationwide GST Utsav starting from the first day of Navratri, calling it a festival of savings for all Indians.
In his address, the Prime Minister said that from September 22, people will be able to buy their favourite items at lower prices as the new GST rates take effect.
“Next-gen GST reforms start tomorrow. It is like a ‘GST saving festival’,” PM Modi said.
“From tomorrow, you can buy your favourite items with ease. This is a GST saving festival for every Indian,” he added.
PM Modi highlighted that people with low-income and the new middle class will gain double benefits after the GST rate cuts.
The Prime Minister greeted citizens on the occasion of Navratri and said that the new phase of GST reforms will directly benefit the common man, farmers, MSMEs, middle-class families, women, and youth.
The government announced the GST rate cuts on September 4, covering a wide range of products — from automobiles to daily consumer items.
This marks the biggest indirect tax reform since the Goods and Services Tax was rolled out in July 2017.
The new system, often called GST 2.0, introduces a two-slab structure of 5% and 18%, with an additional 40% rate only for super luxury, sin, and demerit goods.
The GST Council approved the reforms at its 56th meeting, where the Union and state governments reached a consensus.
Earlier, the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X that PM Modi would address the nation at 5 PM.
During his speech, PM Modi underlined that the reforms reflect the cooperative spirit between the Centre and the states.
He added that the new tax structure will make goods cheaper, encourage industry, and strengthen India’s economy.
–IANS
