PM Modi Announces GST 2.0 Reforms, Calls It a “Savings Festival”

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Sept. 21, 2025: Hours before the rollout of GST 2.0 reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation, linking the reforms with the start of the Navratri festival.

Extending festive greetings, the Prime Minister said, “Tomorrow, the festival to worship Shakti, Navratri, begins. On the first day of Navratri, the country is also taking a big step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

Highlighting the benefits of the reforms, Modi termed them a “GST savings festival.” He said the new tax structure would increase public savings and make essential items more affordable. “The poor, middle class, youth, women, and traders will benefit immensely. Your savings will go up, and you can buy your favourite items easily,” he said.

The revamped GST system abolishes the 12% and 28% tax slabs, retaining only 5% and 18% for most goods and services, while luxury and “sin goods” remain taxed separately. Essentials such as coffee, ghee, biscuits, and oil, as well as new cars and medical insurance premiums, are set to become cheaper starting tomorrow.

Calling the move a “double bonanza” along with earlier income tax exemptions, Modi said reforms in the past year would save citizens around ₹2.5 lakh crore.

The Prime Minister recalled the 2017 introduction of GST as a “historic” achievement made possible with the support of states. “Reform is a continuous process. When times change, the country’s needs change, and next-generation reforms are required,” he said.

He also gave a call to boost Make in India. “We must make every home a symbol of Swadeshi and every shop a showcase of Indian products. Proudly say, ‘I buy Swadeshi, I sell Swadeshi.’ This should be every Indian’s mood,” he added.

The government expects the reforms to spur consumption, attract investments, and strengthen India’s growth trajectory during the festive season.