New Delhi: On the first day of the Shardiya Navratri festival, Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the nationwide implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, stating that the tax relief will significantly enhance the savings of everyday citizens.
Describing the move as “historic,” Shah highlighted that the revised GST rates have been slashed across more than 390 products, offering broad-based financial relief.
Taking to social media platform X, Shah wrote, “On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, the Modi government has gifted the country its Next Gen GST reform. From today, this reform has been implemented across India, featuring historic tax reductions on over 390 items. A special gift to all mothers and sisters of the nation.”
The Union Home Minister further emphasized that the reductions span various sectors, including healthcare, housing, food, education, and insurance. “In areas such as food and household items, home building materials, automobiles, agriculture, services, toys, sports goods, handicrafts, education, medical and health, insurance, etc., the unprecedented GST relief will bring joy to citizens and increase their savings,” Shah added.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his greetings for Navratri and underscored the importance of promoting Indian-made goods. He called the coincidence of Navratri and the GST Savings Festival “very special,” noting that the celebration would amplify the message of “Swadeshi” (indigenous self-reliance).
In a post on X, the Prime Minister stated, “This time, the auspicious occasion of Navratri is very special. Along with the GST Savings Festival, the mantra of Swadeshi is receiving new energy. Let us unite in collective efforts toward a developed and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).”
The GST reforms, which came into effect today, simplify the previous four-slab structure into two primary slabs of 5% and 18%, with a separate 40% rate retained for luxury and sin goods. Several daily-use and essential items, including packaged milk, Indian breads, paneer, and various hygiene products, now fall under reduced or NIL tax rates.
Navratri, a significant Hindu festival celebrated over nine nights, honors Goddess Durga and her various forms. It is marked by fasting, devotional music, cultural performances, and traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya. This year, the festival runs until October 2, concluding with Vijayadashami or Dussehra.
With the GST Savings Festival aligning with Navratri, both the government and citizens are embracing the festive spirit with renewed enthusiasm for economic reform and national self-reliance.
