New Delhi: In an address to the nation on the eve of Navratri, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the GST (Goods and Services Tax) reforms, effective from September 22, 2025, with a call to enhance manufacturing and strengthen India’s self-reliant economy. Describing the reforms as a “GST Savings Festival,” he emphasized their potential to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), promote the Swadeshi movement, and drive India towards global manufacturing excellence.
The Prime Minister urged all states and citizens to prioritize manufacturing, highlighting that the simplified GST structure—now streamlined to just 5% and 18% tax slabs—will significantly reduce costs for MSMEs and cottage industries. By lowering tax rates on essentials like food, medicines, and household goods, and shifting 99% of items previously taxed at 12% to the 5% slab, the reforms aim to boost sales and affordability, enabling small businesses to thrive,, PM added. “Our MSMEs are the backbone of a self-reliant India,” he said, calling for a revival of India’s historical reputation for superior manufacturing quality.
Reviving the Swadeshi Spirit
The Prime Minister passionately advocated for the Swadeshi movement, urging citizens to choose Made-in-India products to foster economic independence. “From the comb in your pocket to larger purchases, prioritize goods made with the hard work and sweat of our youth,” he said, encouraging every household and shop to become a symbol of Swadeshi pride. He called on state governments to create investor-friendly environments to accelerate manufacturing, ensuring that India’s products meet global standards and restore the nation’s legacy as a manufacturing powerhouse.
The Prime Minister linked the GST reforms to the broader goal of a developed, self-reliant India, emphasizing that MSMEs and small industries will benefit from reduced taxes and simplified procedures. “Whatever we can make in India, we should make in India,” he declared, urging industries to produce world-class goods.
Simplifying Taxes, Empowering Citizens
Prime Minister asserted that reforms address the complexities of the pre-2017 tax regime, which burdened businesses with multiple taxes like octroi, sales tax, and VAT, complicating goods transportation. “The 2017 GST unified these into a single system, and the Next Generation reforms build on this by making everyday items, including appliances, vehicles, and hotel stays, more affordable. Coupled with the recent income tax exemption for incomes up to ₹12 lakh, these measures are expected to save citizens over ₹2.5 lakh crore annually, empowering the low-income group, neo-middle class, and middle class.” he narrated.
The Prime Minister extended Navratri festive greetings to the People. He expressed confidence that the collective efforts of the Centre, states, and citizens will fulfill the dream of a self-reliant India, with every state contributing to national development. “Let us say with pride: I buy Swadeshi, I sell Swadeshi,” he concluded, rallying the nation for a new era of manufacturing and economic progress.
