GST reforms will boost economic activities and benefit local employment: CM Sai

Raipur, 23 September

On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai toured M.G. Road and major markets in Raipur, engaging warmly with traders and consumers. The occasion was made even more special by the implementation of GST 2.0 under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, which has brought greater simplicity and transparency to the tax system. The CM’s arrival brought an atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm throughout the market. Traders and citizens welcomed him enthusiastically at several points, with chants of “Thank you, Modi Ji” echoing in the streets. The Chief Minister directly interacted with shopkeepers to understand the tangible benefits that both traders and consumers are experiencing due to the new tax system.

In the evening, CM Sai walked from Jaistambh Chowk to Gurunanak Chowk via Mahatma Gandhi Road, visiting various shops and reviewing the GST Savings Festival. During this visit, he also put up stickers promoting the festival and held heartfelt conversations with local shopkeepers and customers.

There was a visible wave of excitement among the traders during the visit. Various trader associations and business owners gave the Chief Minister a warm and enthusiastic welcome.

On this occasion, CM Sai said that the GST reforms will accelerate economic activity in the country and promote local employment. The recent comprehensive GST reforms under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership have led to reduced taxes, directly benefiting consumers.

The Chief Minister began his market tour with a visit and prayers at the Shri Shankar Hanuman Temple at Sharda Chowk.

During a conversation with CM Sai, Ms. Richa Thakur, a resident of Samta Colony who was shopping at Leela Shriram Electronics, expressed her relief over the tax cuts. She shared that she needed to buy 5 air conditioners for her hostel. Previously priced at ₹35,000 each, they were now available for ₹30,000 after tax cuts and discounts, resulting in total savings of ₹25,000. She thanked PM Modi for this decision.

Similarly, Mr. Mohan Nebhani, proprietor of M.S. Traders, mentioned that the CM personally visited his shop during the Savings Festival and inquired about customer benefits. He shared that due to the tax cuts, customer purchases had increased, with savings of ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 on each product.

CM Sai also visited various shops on Mahatma Gandhi Road, interacting closely with shopkeepers and customers. Locals showered him with flower petals during the market walk, warmly welcoming and greeting him.

The Chamber of Commerce and party officials welcomed the CM at Jaistambh Chowk. He then visited Sharda Chowk to offer prayers at the Goddess’s idol and extended Navratri greetings to devotees.

Following this, the Chief Minister walked from Poonam Hotel to Manju Mamta Hotel, interacting with everyone from roadside vendors to large showroom owners. There was clear enthusiasm from all to speak with him. He attentively listened to their feedback and learned about their experiences with the benefits of GST 2.0.

He visited establishments like Tiny Teaser and Kids on Wheel Cycle Store to learn about reduced tax rates on children’s items and household products. In electronics stores, he noted the lower prices consumers are now paying. Shopkeepers informed him that doing business has become easier and customer trust has increased due to the new provisions.

At Gurunanak Chowk, CM Sai offered floral tributes at the holy Nishan Sahib and received blessings. While interacting with members of the Sikh community, he stated that historic initiatives like GST 2.0 have provided new direction to national unity and economic strength. He urged devotees to adopt more indigenous products and contribute to building a self-reliant India.

Later, CM Sai visited the Vandana Ispat office, where representatives of the industrial sector welcomed him. Senior representative Mr. Subhash Agrawal of the steel industry mentioned that the new tax system is saving ₹600 per ton in steel production. The CM called this development encouraging, stating that it would open new avenues for growth and employment in the industry.

Sharing his thoughts, CM Sai said the combination of the Navratri festival and the historic GST rate cuts is nothing short of a celebration for both businesses and consumers. He emphasized that under PM Modi’s leadership, the tax system has become more transparent and user-friendly. This will not only ease business operations but also result in direct savings for the common man.

He elaborated that now only two tax slabs remain. Essential goods like soap, toothpaste, bicycles, and kitchen items are now taxed at just 5%, resulting in annual savings of ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 for every family. Similarly, food items like bread, milk, packaged snacks, and chickpeas are now completely tax-free, saving ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 annually. The removal of tax on health and life insurance also brings benefits—about ₹4,500 saved on a ₹25,000 policy, and savings of ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 annually on senior citizen policies.

In conclusion, CM Sai said GST 2.0 will be a major boon for the business community as well. The ₹600-per-ton savings in the steel industry will also benefit consumers. This reform will positively impact industry, trade, investment, and employment across the board.

He urged entrepreneurs and traders to promote local production and encouraged consumers to proudly say, “I buy local, and I sell local.” He described this as a mantra that will take India’s economic future to new heights.

Cabinet Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap, MLAs Mr. Purandar Mishra and Mr. Motilal Sahu, NAN Chairman Mr. Sanjay Srivastava, local public representatives, various trade associations, and a large number of dignitaries were present on the occasion.