Prices of kitchen staples to electronics, from medicines and equipment to automobiles, will get cheaper starting today, thanks to significant Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate cuts on approximately 375 items.
This consumer-friendly decision was made by the GST Council, a joint body of the Centre and States, with the new rates taking effect on September 22nd – marking the first day of Navaratri.
How the GST structure is being simplified: Explained
On Sunday, September 21, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation, celebrating these “next generation reforms” as a “GST Savings Festival.”
Mr. Modi emphasized how these restructured GST rates would reduce the cost of everyday goods, benefiting the poor, middle class, and emerging middle class. He also reiterated the importance of buying Indian-made products, asserting that “India’s prosperity will gain its strength from Swadeshi mantra.”
Explore GST 2.0 with our comprehensive guide and interactive dashboard.
However, the Congress party, also on Sunday, September 21, 2025, criticized PM Modi for claiming “sole ownership” of the GST amendments. They argued that the reforms were insufficient, particularly in addressing the states’ demand for a five-year extension of compensation.
Live Updates:
September 22, 2025 06:37 AM – PM Hails GST 2.0 as ‘Festival of Savings’ and Step Towards Self-Reliance
Just hours before the implementation of the new two-slab Goods and Services Tax (GST) system at midnight on Sunday, September 21, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared it a “bachat utsav” or a festival of savings. He also positioned it as a crucial first step towards “aatmanirbharta,” meaning economic self-reliance for Indians.
In his televised national address, Mr. Modi connected the simplification of the GST regime from a four-slab to a two-slab system, improved compliance, and the resulting price reductions to a broader national agenda. He urged Indians to reduce their reliance on foreign-made goods and instead embrace products manufactured domestically, thereby boosting the country’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
-Nistula Hebbar
Further details:
GST 2.0 implementation a ‘festival of savings’, first step towards economic self-reliance, PM says in address to nation
Prime Minister Modi introduces new GST regime as a festival of savings and step towards self-reliance.
September 22, 2025 06:36 AM – GST Rate Cuts Take Effect Today, Making Goods and Services Cheaper
Effective Monday, September 22, 2025, a wide range of products, from essential kitchen items and electronics to medicines, equipment, and automobiles, will become more affordable. This follows the reduced Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates applied to approximately 375 items.
The GST Council, composed of representatives from both the Central and State governments, decided to implement these lower tax rates on goods and services starting September 22nd, coinciding with the beginning of Navaratri, offering a significant benefit to consumers.
Items for mass consumption such as ghee, paneer, butter, ‘namkeen’, ketchup, jam, dry fruits, coffee, and ice creams, alongside aspirational goods like televisions, air conditioners, and washing machines, are among those seeing price reductions.
-PTI
Further details:
GST rate cut kicks in from September 22, goods and services to become cheaper
GST rates on 375 items reduced, leading to cheaper prices on kitchen staples, electronics, medicines, and automobiles from September 22.
