NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday interacted with local artisans, traders and industry representatives in Tripura as the new GST reforms comes into effect.In a post on X he tweeted, “Interacted with traders and entrepreneurs in Itanagar today. They expressed their appreciation for the GST reforms and the launch of the GST Bachat Utsav.” He noted that these initiatives would benefit key sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, and other local enterprises. The prime minister also emphasized the importance of maintaining quality standards and nurturing a strong spirit of buying Made in India products.The restructuring of the GST framework was cleared during the 56th GST Council meeting earlier this month. The earlier four-tier tax system has now been simplified into two main slabs of 5% and 18%, while a separate 40% bracket continues for luxury and sin goods.Earlier in the day, the prime minister visited Arunachal Pradesh’s capital, Itanagar, where he laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 5100 crore, covering power, connectivity, tourism and health.In another post on X, PM Modi wrote, “As the sun rose today, so did a new chapter in India’s economic journey, with the start of GST Bachat Utsav. And, what better place to be than Arunachal Pradesh, India’s beautiful Land of the Rising Sun.” PM Modi expressed pride in Arunachal Pradesh’s natural beauty, culture and patriotism, calling it “the land of the rising sun” and a place that embodies valour and simplicity. He praised the hospitality of the people and reflected on his past visits, noting that every moment spent with Arunachal’s residents is memorable. Chief minister Pema Khandu thanked the prime minister for his continued focus on Northeast development and GST reforms, emphasizing the positive impact on traders and citizens.PM Narendra Modi also inaugurated the redeveloped Tripureswari Temple in Gomati district, Tripura and offered prayers at the shrine. The over 500-year-old temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, was originally built by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in 1501. The redevelopment was carried out under the Centre’s PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) scheme at a cost of Rs 52 crore.Governor N Indrasena Reddy, chief minister Manik Saha and senior government officials were present during the program. Thousands of devotees gathered outside the temple to catch a glimpse of the prime minister.The redevelopment project included modifications to the temple premises, renovated entrances, new pathways, fencing, drainage systems and a new three-storied complex featuring stalls, a meditation hall, guest accommodations and office rooms. Officials said the project is expected to boost tourism, generate employment, support local businesses and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region. Go to Source

'GST Bachat Utsav': PM Modi interacts with traders and entrepreneurs in Tripura; highlights benefits for key sectors