Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called upon MPs from the ruling NDA alliance to actively promote the government's latest round of GST reforms and the Make in India initiative by directly engaging with citizens, traders and shopkeepers in their constituencies.
Focus on GST 2.0 Rollout
During a high-level meeting, PM Modi highlighted the significance of the simplified GST 2.0 framework, set to take effect from September 22, which will introduce two primary tax slabs of 5% and 18%.
The Prime Minister urged MPs to organise 20 to 30 conferences in their constituencies to explain the benefits of the new tax regime. He emphasised that the restructured GST system will ease the tax burden on households, farmers, and the middle class while promoting overall economic growth.
"Before 2014, basic goods and services carried taxes ranging from 17% to 28%. Today, essential items such as cement, ACs, TVs, and tractors are taxed at 18%, 5% or even 0%, making life more affordable," Modi noted in his recent address to teachers in New Delhi.
Boosting Local Industry Through Swadeshi Campaign
As part of the outreach plan, MPs were also asked to:
- Organise indigenous fairs between Navratri and Diwali to encourage the purchase of India-made products.
- Highlight the contributions of local artisans, micro, and small enterprises.
- Conduct sector-based exhibitions under the theme "Say with pride, this is Swadeshi".
The government believes that such initiatives will give a major boost to domestic manufacturing, employment, and self-reliance, aligning with the broader Make in India mission.
People-Centric Reforms
PM Modi described the upcoming GST reforms as a "major milestone in India's economic journey", stressing that the lower tax rates will benefit families, reduce farming costs and increase household savings. The reforms also aim to improve affordability in healthcare and consumer appliances, ultimately stimulating demand.
Postponement of NDA Dinner
In another development, PM Modi postponed a scheduled NDA dinner on Monday evening, citing the severe floods in Punjab and several other states. "When citizens are in distress, how can I hold a ceremonial dinner?" he remarked, underlining his solidarity with the people affected by natural calamities.
With GST 2.0 rolling out later this month and MPs gearing up for constituency-level outreach, the Centre is banking on the new structure to not only simplify compliance but also boost domestic trade, manufacturing, and consumer confidence.
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