Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, dubbing it “GST 2.0” and a pivotal step toward India’s 21st-century progress. Speaking during an interaction with National Teacher awardees in New Delhi, Modi announced that the GST Council’s sweeping reforms, approved on September 3, streamline the tax structure to two rates—5 percent and 18 percent—effective from September 22, 2025, coinciding with the start of Navratri.

Modi described the reforms as adding “five new gems (panch ratna)” to India’s vibrant economy, emphasizing their role in fostering growth and supporting citizens. He highlighted the simplification of GST as a “double dose of support and growth,” aligning with his Independence Day pledge from the Red Fort to deliver “next-generation reforms” for a self-reliant India. Modi promised a “double blast of happiness” before Diwali and Chhath Puja, underscoring the reforms’ timely implementation to enhance economic stability.

Criticizing the previous Congress regime for imposing heavy taxes on basic household items, Modi stressed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has prioritized easing the financial burden on the common man. The GST 2.0 reforms, which include tax exemptions on essentials like health insurance and significant rate cuts on daily-use items, aim to boost consumption, address global economic challenges, and position India as a competitive global player.

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