Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the new GST slab implementation from Monday and said that the reform were a revolutionary decision for the common man, the middle class, women, farmers, traders, small traders, shopkeepers, and this would boost consumption, production, and employment, reported news agency ANI.
“I congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There were four slabs in the GST. He removed two slabs, leaving only two. This decision is truly revolutionary for the common man, the middle class, women, farmers, traders, small traders, shopkeepers, and everyone. This will boost consumption, production, and employment. That`s why this is Modi`s masterstroke. It`s a masterstroke because it`s a life-changing decision. The daily necessities have been made much cheaper. Therefore, this is a huge decision,” Shinde said, reported ANI.
He called GST reforms a “Diwali Dhamaka“. “No amount of thanks would be enough for him,” Eknath Shinde said, reported ANI.
He further said that the opposition should welcome the decision as it had been taken for the welfare of 140 crore people.
The Prime Minister, during his address to the nation on Sunday, stated that reform is a continuous process, and as times change and national needs evolve, next-generation reforms become equally essential.
He noted that keeping in view the current requirements and future aspirations of the country, these new GST reforms are being implemented. PM Modi highlighted that under the new structure, only 5 per cent and 18 per cent tax slabs will primarily remain, reported ANI.
This, he remarked, means that most everyday-use items will become more affordable. He listed food items, medicines, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and health and life insurance among the many goods and services that will either be tax-free or attract only a 5 per cent tax. The Prime Minister further noted that of the items previously taxed at 12 per cent, 99 per cent–virtually all–have now been brought under the 5 per cent tax bracket.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the GST reforms kicking in from Monday will accelerate India`s growth story, emphasising that it is a big and important step for “aatmanirbhar Bharat” and linking a boost to `swadeshi` products to the country`s prosperity.
Addressing the nation on the eve of the auspicious Navratri, which will mark the implementation of the revised GST rates, PM Modi said the reduced prices of items across the board will launch “bachat utsav” for people.
Urging people to buy indigenous products, he said swadeshi will render strength to the country`s prosperity in a similar way it powered India`s freedom movement.
(With inputs from ANI)
