Narendra Modi on GST Bachat India

My Fellow Indians,

Namaskar!

As the nation celebrates the beginning of Navaratri, I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt wishes to you and your families. May this sacred festival bring good health, happiness, and prosperity to every household.

This year, our festive season carries an added reason for celebration. From September 22nd, the Next Generation GST reforms have come into effect, ushering in what we proudly call the ‘GST Bachat Utsav’ or ‘GST Savings Festival’.

These reforms are not just about tax simplification; they are about boosting savings and empowering every section of society—farmers, women, youth, the poor, the middle class, traders, and MSMEs alike. They will accelerate growth, encourage investments, and ensure progress across every state and region of our great nation.

Key Highlights of the Reforms

• Two main GST slabs – 5% and 18% for simplified taxation.
• Daily essentials such as food items, medicines, soaps, toothpaste, insurance, and many other products are now either tax-free or fall under the lowest 5% tax slab.
• Items earlier taxed at 12% have been moved down to 5%, reducing the burden on households.

It is heartening to see shopkeepers and traders proudly displaying ‘Then & Now’ boards, showing the difference in prices before and after reforms.

Benefits for the People

• In recent years, 25 crore Indians have risen above poverty, forming a strong neo-middle class.
• Alongside, massive income tax cuts have ensured zero tax up to ₹12 lakh annual income.
• Together, these income tax cuts and GST reforms amount to savings of nearly ₹2.5 lakh crore for the people of India.
• Reduced household expenses will make it easier to fulfill aspirations like building a home, buying a vehicle, purchasing appliances, enjoying family outings, or planning vacations.

Strengthening Businesses & MSMEs

Since 2017, GST has been a turning point in freeing citizens and businesses from the web of multiple taxes. With ‘One Nation, One Tax’, we united India economically. Today, the new reforms go further—simplifying systems, lowering rates, and putting more money into people’s hands.

For our small industries, traders, shopkeepers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs, these reforms mean:

• Greater Ease of Doing Business
• Simpler compliance
• Lower costs and better sales opportunities
• Growth in jobs and innovation

Towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047

Our collective goal is a Viksit Bharat by 2047. These reforms strengthen our journey towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat, by boosting local manufacturing and supporting Indian enterprise.

This festive season, let us take a collective pledge to support Made in India products. Each time we buy something Swadeshi, we are not just purchasing a product—we are supporting our artisans, farmers, workers, and industries. This strengthens livelihoods and creates opportunities for our youth.

Let us proudly say:

• What we buy is Swadeshi.
• What we sell is Swadeshi.

My Appeal

I appeal to state governments to encourage industry, manufacturing, and investments, ensuring that the benefits of these reforms reach every citizen.

Once again, I convey my best wishes to you and your families for a joyous Navaratri and a season filled with happiness and savings through the GST Savings Festival.

May these reforms bring greater prosperity and opportunities to every Indian household.

Jai Hind!
— Narendra Modi