PM Modi outlines "Garv se kaho ye swadeshi hai" theme to promote and educate traders on GST reforms

New Delhi [India], September 8 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday outlined the plan to educate traders and shopkeepers about the benefits of the recently introduced Goods and Services Tax reforms during a meeting with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) MPs, sources told ANI.
The Prime Minister emphasised the theme "Garv se kaho ye swadeshi hai" and mentioned that the MPs should organise 20 to 30 trader conferences in their respective constituencies so that traders and shopkeepers can be educated and briefed about the GST reforms.
During the meeting, PM Modi said that the MPs could organise 'Swadeshi Melas' during Diwali and Navaratri to promote Indian products and encourage people to buy them.
He stated that each MP should organise an exhibition in every sector of their constituency and showcase local artisans, micro and small industries, and indigenous products.
According to Sources, Prime Minister Modi said that the GST reform is revolutionary and its benefits should reach every individual, especially in the trade sector. He asked all MPs to spread awareness about GST reforms among all sections of society, including women, students, traders, and others. He suggested organizing programs in various places to disseminate this information.
Additionally, PM Modi mentioned that India's concept of Swadeshi (indigenous) has evolved beyond just the traditional spinning wheel. From the charkha to advanced projects like BrahMos, India has embarked on a journey of self-reliance (Atmanirbharta). He emphasized the need to take this message to every citizen, highlighting the benefits of this approach.
Meanwhile, earlier on August 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to prioritise the purchase of 'Made in India' products during the upcoming festive season, stressing that buying indigenous goods during festivals like Navratri, Vijayadashami, Dhanteras and Diwali would contribute to the country's self-reliance and economic progress.
Addressing a public gathering after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for multiple development projects in Ahmedabad, the Prime Minister reiterated his call for 'Swadeshi', appealing to both businesses and individuals to opt for locally manufactured items to drive national prosperity.
"This is the season of festivals. Now Navratri, Vijayadashami, Dhanteras, Diwali... all these festivals are coming. These are celebrations of our culture, but they should also be celebrations of self-reliance. Therefore, I want to reiterate my request to you once again that we must adopt a mantra in our lives: whatever we buy will be 'Made in India', it will be indigenous. I appeal to the citizens of our country to prioritise purchasing goods that are 'Made in India'. Whether it's decorative items or gifts, let us choose products manufactured within our own nation," PM Modi said.
He encouraged businesses to refrain from selling imported items, adding, "These small yet impactful steps can play a significant role in driving our nation's progress and prosperity."
The 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates.
5% slab consists of essential goods and services, including food and kitchen item like butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujia, mixtures, and utensils; agricultural equipment like drip irrigation systems, sprinklers, bio-pesticides, micronutrients, soil preparation machines, harvesting tools, tractors, and tractor tires; handicrafts and small industries like sewing machines and their parts and health and wellness like medical equipment and diagnostic kits.
While the 18% slab consists of a standard rate for most goods and services, including automobiles such as small cars and motorcycles (up to 350cc), consumer goods like electronic items, household goods, and some professional services, a uniform 18% rate applies to all auto parts.
Additionally, there is also a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products like cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages and on luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters.
Moreover, some essential services and educational items are fully exempted from GST, including individual health, family floater and life insurance, no GST on health and life insurance premiums and education and healthcare, like certain services related to education and healthcare are GST-exempt. (ANI)