Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday (September 22, 2025) that the upcoming generation of GST reforms is set to boost savings and directly benefit all segments of society. He emphasized the critical importance of pursuing self-reliance to achieve the collective vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047.
In an open letter addressed to the citizens of India, shared on social media, Mr. Modi highlighted that the new GST reforms, effective from September 22, mark the beginning of a nationwide ‘GST Bachat Utsav’ or ‘GST Savings Festival’.
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“This festive season offers an additional reason for celebration. These reforms will significantly enhance savings and directly benefit everyone, including farmers, women, youth, the underprivileged, the middle class, traders, and MSMEs. They are designed to foster greater growth and investment, accelerating progress across every state and region,” the Prime Minister stated.
A key feature of these next-generation GST reforms is the simplification of tax slabs, primarily consolidating them into two categories: 5% and 18%. He explained that daily necessities such as food, medicines, soap, toothpaste, and insurance will now either be completely tax-free or fall under the lowest 5% tax bracket. Items previously taxed at 12% have largely been moved to the 5% slab. Mr. Modi noted with satisfaction the displays by shopkeepers and traders illustrating the tax differences before and after the reforms.
Over the past few years, 25 crore people have successfully emerged from poverty, forming a burgeoning aspirational neo-middle class. The Prime Minister added that the government has also empowered the middle class through substantial income tax cuts, ensuring zero tax on annual incomes up to ₹12 lakh. He emphasized that the combined effect of these income tax cuts and the new GST reforms would result in total savings of approximately ₹2.5 lakh crore for the populace.
“Your household expenditures will decrease, making it easier to achieve aspirations like building a home, purchasing a vehicle, buying appliances, dining out, or planning a family vacation,” the Prime Minister assured.
Reflecting on India’s GST journey, which commenced in 2017, Mr. Modi described it as a pivotal moment that liberated citizens and businesses from a complex web of multiple taxes, economically unifying the nation. The ‘One Nation, One Tax’ initiative brought uniformity and relief, with the GST Council, involving active participation from both central and state governments, making numerous pro-people decisions. These latest reforms further streamline the system, reduce rates, and put more savings directly into the hands of the people.
“Our small industries, shopkeepers, traders, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs will also experience enhanced Ease of Doing Business and Compliance. Lower taxes, reduced prices, and simpler regulations will translate into improved sales, lighter compliance burdens, and expanded opportunities, particularly within the MSME sector,” he elaborated.
Reiterating that the collective aspiration is to achieve a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, Mr. Modi stressed that the path to self-reliance is indispensable for this goal. These reforms are crucial for strengthening India’s local manufacturing base, thereby paving the way for an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India). He urged everyone, during the festive season, to commit to supporting ‘Made in India’ products. This means choosing Swadeshi items that reflect the dedication and hard work of Indian artisans, workers, and industries, regardless of brand or company. “Every purchase of a product made by our own people helps countless families earn their livelihood and generates employment opportunities for our youth,” Mr. Modi asserted.
He also appealed to shopkeepers and traders to prioritize selling ‘Made in India’ products. “Let us proudly declare, ‘What we buy is Swadeshi. Let us proudly declare, ‘What we sell is Swadeshi,’” the Prime Minister proclaimed. He further encouraged state governments to foster industry, manufacturing, and improve the investment climate.
“I extend my wishes to you and your families for a joyous Navaratri and a season filled with happiness and savings through the ‘GST Savings Festival’,” Mr. Modi concluded.
This festive season, let’s celebrate the ‘GST Bachat Utsav’! Lower GST rates mean more savings for every household and greater ease for businesses.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2025
Following his letter, Mr. Modi also highlighted the extensive and positive media coverage of the reduced GST rates, underscoring the widespread excitement they have generated. “From markets to households, GST Bachat Utsav brings a festive buzz, ensuring lower costs and brighter smiles in every home,” he posted on social media, accompanied by images of front-page articles from leading Hindi and English newspapers.
Sharing a video of his interaction with traders during a visit to Arunachal Pradesh, he emphasized that it vividly illustrated why India holds such optimism for the “GST Bachat Utsav.” Addressing a rally in Itanagar, he stated, “Today, next-generation GST reforms have been implemented across the country, and the GST ‘Bachat Utsav’ has begun. During the season of festivals, the people have received a double bonanza.” Mr. Modi further noted that “The GST reforms will reduce kitchen budget, helping women.”
On Sunday (September 21, 2025), the Prime Minister addressed the nation on the eve of the new GST rates implementation, coinciding with the first day of Navratri. He lauded it as the “GST Bachat Utsav” for consumers, celebrating the reduction in prices for a wide range of goods.