Celebrate festivals as a "GST Savings Festival": Prime Minister

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the countrymen to celebrate this year's festivals as a "GST Savings Festival." The new GST rates will result in greater savings for every household and provide significant relief to the trade and business world.

On Monday, the Prime Minister shared a detailed letter to the countrymen, in which he extended his best wishes for the upcoming festivals and detailed the new tax reforms. In the letter, the Prime Minister stated that the Next Generation GST reforms, which came into effect on September 22nd, will directly benefit the common people. Now, everyday essential items such as soap, toothpaste, biscuits, slippers, bicycles, toys, clothes, household appliances, and vehicles will be available at lower prices than before. Traders and shopkeepers are displaying "Before and Now" signs to show people how affordable common goods have become.

The Prime Minister recalled that the GST journey began in 2017, leading the country towards "One Nation, One Tax." He said that with the new reforms, the benefits of GST will now reach every section of society more broadly. This will provide relief to consumers and ease and transparency to businesses.

In his letter, the Prime Minister also emphasized the need for a self-reliant India. He said that when the people of the country prioritize indigenous goods, it will not only strengthen Indian industry and businesses but will also create millions of new jobs. He wrote, "I also urge our businessmen and traders to promote indigenous goods."

The Prime Minister said that the country has made unprecedented progress in the last 11 years. More than 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty, and the country's economy is growing at the fastest pace in the world. He said that these reforms will prove to be a milestone in realizing the dream of a developed India by 2047.

Finally, the Prime Minister appealed to all countrymen to save, adopt indigenous products, and celebrate festivals with the resolve of a self-reliant India. He wrote, "It is my wish that the GST Savings Festival brings happiness and prosperity to every family."