Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Sunday evening, just hours before the rollout of the much-anticipated Next Generation GST 2.0 reforms. His speech combined festive greetings with a vision of economic reforms aimed at benefiting every section of society.
Here are the 10 biggest highlights from his address:
1. A festive start with reforms
PM Modi began his speech by extending Navratri greetings to the nation and said tomorrow would mark not just the start of Navratri but also a GST savings festival.
2. GST 2.0: A new era of savings
The Prime Minister said the next-generation GST reforms will make life easier for citizens, allowing them to buy essential and aspirational products at lower costs.
3. Benefits for all sections of society
From the poor and middle class to youth, women, and traders, every group will gain from the reforms. Modi emphasised inclusivity as the central focus of the GST changes.
4. Boost to Bharat’s growth story
Calling GST reforms a catalyst for progress, the PM said they will enhance ease of doing business, attract investments, and ensure equal development across all states.
5. Remembering the 2017 milestone
The PM recalled how GST was first implemented in 2017, ending decades of tax complexity. “With the support of all states, we achieved this historic reform,” he noted.
6. A ‘Bachat Utsav’ for citizens
Modi highlighted that combining income tax relief with GST savings will result in over Rs 2.5 lakh crore worth of public savings this year, terming it a ‘Bachat Utsav’.
7. Cheaper homes, travel, and goods
From houses, TVs, refrigerators, scooters, and cars to hotel stays and travel, GST cuts will make a wide range of expenses more affordable for ordinary citizens.
8. Support for MSMEs and job creation
The Prime Minister underlined the role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in building India’s economy, urging them to reclaim their golden role in nation-building.
9. Swadeshi push
In a big push for Make in India, the Prime Minister said, “We have to make every home a Swadeshi symbol, decorate every shop with Swadeshi products. Proudly say, ‘I buy Swadeshi, I sell Swadeshi’. This should be every Indian’s mood.”
10. Centre-state partnership for growth
The PM appealed to state governments to actively back Aatmanirbhar Bharat, boost manufacturing, and create an investor-friendly environment, stressing that joint effort will make India a developed nation.