New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation at 5 PM on Sunday, a day before the government’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate cuts come into effect, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced on X.
The address is expected to outline the reforms and their impact on consumers across India. The GST rate changes, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on September 4, will take effect from Monday, September 22, reducing tax rates on hundreds of goods ranging from automobiles to daily-use consumer products.
Key GST reforms
The recent reform represents the biggest indirect tax overhaul since GST was implemented in July 2017. It rationalises the tax structure, simplifying it to two slabs: 5% and 18%, while the earlier 12% and 28% slabs have been removed.
This simplification is expected to reduce the cost of a wide range of products, benefiting consumers and boosting demand across sectors. Analysts note that this move also streamlines compliance for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises.
PM Modi’s other engagements
Earlier on Sunday, PM Modi extended his greetings for Mahalaya on X, saying, “Wishing you all Shubho Mahalaya! As the sacred days of Durga Puja draw near, may our lives be filled with light and purpose. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga bring unwavering strength, lasting joy and wonderful health.”
On Monday, PM Modi will visit Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura to lay the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹5,100 crore in Itanagar. This includes two major hydropower projects and a state-of-the-art Convention Centre at Tawang.
In Tripura, he will inaugurate development work at the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple Complex in Matabari, part of the government’s efforts to boost infrastructure and religious tourism in the northeast.
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Conclusion
The Prime Minister’s address comes at a pivotal moment, just ahead of the GST rate cuts, which are likely to impact millions of consumers and businesses nationwide. The combined focus on tax reforms and regional development projects underscores the government’s emphasis on economic growth, consumer relief, and infrastructure expansion.