Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the rollout of next-generation Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, describing them as a “double bonanza” for the people ahead of the festive season.
Speaking at a public event in Itanagar, PM Modi said, “From today, next-generation GST reforms have been implemented and the GST Bachat Utsav has started. On the occasion of festivals, the people have received a double bonanza.”
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth over ₹5,100 crore, including the Heo Hydro Electric Project (240 MW), Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (186 MW) in the Siyom sub-basin, a modern Convention Centre in Tawang, and infrastructure projects worth over ₹1,290 crore in connectivity, healthcare, fire safety, and working women’s hostels.
While congratulating the people of Arunachal Pradesh on these initiatives, Modi sharply criticised the Congress, accusing it of ignoring the Northeast for decades. “The first rays of the sun fall on Arunachal, but for years development rays never reached here. Congress only saw two Lok Sabha seats and neglected this region,” he said.
Highlighting the BJP’s approach, the Prime Minister pointed out that Union ministers have visited the Northeast more than 800 times since 2014, unlike in the past when such visits were rare. “We have made last-mile connectivity and delivery the identity of our government. Ministers and officers are required to come, stay, and work here, not just govern from Delhi,” he added.
Earlier, PM Modi interacted with local traders, artisans, and entrepreneurs during the ‘GST Bachat Utsav,’ encouraging them to promote swadeshi products. Shopkeepers received placards reading “Garv se Kaho Yeh Swadeshi Hai” to display at their stores.
The new GST framework, approved at the 56th GST Council meeting, replaces the earlier four-slab system with a simplified two-slab structure of 5% and 18%, while retaining a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods. The reforms aim to reduce consumer prices, ease compliance, boost MSMEs, and drive inclusive economic growth across sectors including agriculture, automobiles, FMCG, and renewable energy.
