New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the nation on the eve of government's mega GST reforms, said that the neo-middle class, middle class, youth,
poor, farmers, everyone will benefit greatly from the GST Bachat Utsav (savings festival) beginning tomorrow, September 22, 2025 onwards, which is also the first day of Navaratri. Addressing the nation at a time when the world is witnessing global challenges, especially in the middle of tariffs and sanctions, wars, and shifting global power centres, PM Modi said, "In a way, starting tomorrow, a GST Savings Festival is going to begin across the country. During this GST Savings Festival, your savings will increase, and you will be able to buy the things you like even more easily." "The poor, middle-class people, neo-middle class, youth, farmers, women, shopkeepers, traders, and entrepreneurs of our country, everyone will benefit greatly from this savings festival," he said. "This means that the GST Bachat Utsav will be a sweet moment from everyone across the country during the festive season," the Prime Minister added.
No Income Tax Upto Rs 12 Lakh Income Plus GST Cut Double Dhamaka For Citizens
The Prime Minister recalled when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the budget announced no income tax for the citizens earning upto Rs 12 Lakh per year and the GST reforms beginning from September 22, will together save Rs 12 lakh crore annually and prove to be a mega saver for the people.
The government made upto Rs 12 lakh income tax free as a gift to middle class, making life of middle class easier and simpler. The poor and neo-middle class have gotten a double bonanza with the GST reforms, the Prime Minister said as he addressed the nation.
"If we combine the income tax exemption and the GST exemption, the decisions made in one year will save the people of the country more than Rs 2.5 lakh crore, and that's why I say this is a savings festival," PM Modi said.
Emphasising on how the new reforms will help the people, PM Modi said, "In the last eleven 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. 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."
Make Swadeshi, Buy Swadeshi: PM Modi's Mantra For Self-Reliant Bharat
Making a strong pitch to make Bharat self-reliant, PM Modi said that Make-in-India should not be just a slogan, it should stand for 'zero defect' products. This is the time for a second Swadeshi Movement, one focused on economic self-reliance.
Adding more to Aatmanirbhar Bharat pitch, PM Modi said, "We should buy those goods that are made in India, in which the hard work of our country's youth is invested, the sweat of our country's sons and daughters is there. We need to make every home a symbol of Swadeshi, adorn every shop with Swadeshi."
PM Modi further added that in order to reach the goal of a developed India, we must walk on the path of self-reliance, and a very big responsibility to make India self-reliant also lies on our MSMEs.
"What is needed by the people of the country, what we can make in our own country, that we should make right here in the country," he added.
The Prime Minister also said that just as the country's independence gained strength from the mantra of Swadeshi, similarly, the country's prosperity will also gain strength from the mantra of Swadeshi alone.
