NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Navratri, calling the festival a time of devotion, courage, patience and determination, on Monday. In a post on X, he wrote, “Heartfelt wishes to all for Navratri. This sacred festival, filled with devotion, courage, patience, and determination, brings new strength and renewed faith into everyone’s lives. Jai Mata Di!” Highlighting the spiritual significance of the first day dedicated to Goddess Shailputri, the Prime Minister wished that “with the love and blessings of the Goddess, everyone’s life may be filled with good fortune and health.”
On Navratri, PM Modi pushes for Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘GST Bhachat Utsav’
On the occasion of Navratri, PM Modi also pushed for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘GST Bhachat Utsav’, saying that this Navratri is special as the “GST savings festival” aligns with India’s push for self-reliance. “Along with the GST savings festival, the mantra of self-reliance will gain new energy during this period. Let us come together in collective efforts to achieve the resolve of a developed and self-reliant India,” he added.
‘Double bonanza’ for Indians
Earlier on Sunday, PM Modi addressed the nation on the eve of the implementation of the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms. He said the reduction in GST rates would complement income tax benefits given earlier this year, creating a “double bonanza” for citizens. He also said that India’s socio-economic progress has helped 25 crore people in overcoming poverty in the last 11 years.
Neo-middle class a powerful force driving India’s development story: PM
“In the last 11 years, 25 crore people in the country have defeated poverty. Having emerged from poverty, a large group of 25 crore people, known as the neo-middle class, is playing a significant role in the country today. This neo-middle class has its own aspirations and dreams,” PM Modi said.”This year, the government presented a gift by making income up to Rs 12 lakh tax-free and naturally, when income tax relief up to Rs 12 lakh is granted, the lives of the middle class undergo a profound transformation, bringing about so much simplicity and convenience. Now, the poor, the neo-middle class, and the middle class are receiving a double bonanza. With the reduction in GST, it will be easier for the citizens of the country to fulfil their dreams,” he added.
PM Modi on GST rate cuts
He called the reforms a “continuous process” adding that the latest GST changes were crafted to meet the country’s “current needs and future dreams.””Reform is a continuous process. As times change and the country’s needs change, next-generation reforms are equally necessary. These new GST reforms are being implemented, keeping in mind the country’s current needs and future dreams,” PM Modi said. He further explained the GST structure that will now have only two tax slabs: 5% and 18%. “In the new form, there will now be only 5% and 18% tax slabs. This means that most everyday items will become cheaper. Food items, medicines, soap, brush, paste, health and life insurance, many such goods and services will either be tax-free or only a 5% tax will have to be paid. Out of the goods which were earlier taxed at 12%, 99% of the items have now come under the slab of 5% tax,” he said. Go to Source
