New Delhi, Sep 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the launch of a nationwide “GST Utsav,” beginning from the first day of Navratri on Monday, describing it as a “festival of savings” that will directly benefit every Indian household.
In his address to the nation, the Prime Minister said that from September 22, people will experience reduced prices on a wide range of goods as the revised GST rates come into effect under the government’s new reform package. “Next-gen GST reforms are being implemented from tomorrow. It is like a GST saving festival for every Indian,” PM Modi said, adding that “from tomorrow, you will be able to buy your favourite items at lower costs and with greater ease.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that the poor and the new middle class will enjoy double benefits through the tax cuts, as affordability rises and inflationary pressures ease. Extending his greetings on the auspicious occasion of Navratri, Modi underlined that the fresh reforms would provide relief and opportunities to a cross-section of society, including farmers, small businesses, MSMEs, middle-class families, women, and youth.
The government had earlier announced GST rate cuts on September 4, covering sectors ranging from automobiles to daily essentials. Officials have described this as the biggest indirect tax reform since the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax in July 2017.
The restructured system, widely dubbed GST 2.0, introduces a simplified two-slab structure of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, with a higher 40 per cent bracket reserved for super luxury, sin, and demerit goods. The move is expected to reduce compliance burdens, make taxation more predictable, and bring greater stability to markets.
The reforms were approved at the 56th meeting of the GST Council, where both the Union and state governments reached a broad consensus, reflecting what the Prime Minister called the “true spirit of cooperative federalism.”
“The decision to move forward with this new structure will make goods cheaper, encourage industry, and further strengthen the foundations of India’s growing economy,” Modi said.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister’s Office had announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Modi would address the nation at 5 p.m., sparking speculation over the nature of his message. His remarks have now set the stage for a nationwide implementation that the government hopes will boost consumer sentiment ahead of the festive season.