Support Local, Celebrate Better: PM Modi Urges Swadeshi in Festive Letter to the Nation

New Delhi — Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to the people of India, extending festive greetings and underscoring the launch of the “GST Bachat Utsav”, enabled by Next Generation GST reforms. In his message, he appealed to citizens to purchase Swadeshi products and strengthen the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of self-reliance and local manufacturing, urging families to choose Made-in-India goods this festive season. “Every time you buy a product made by our artisans, workers, and industries, you are supporting livelihoods and creating opportunities for our youth,” he wrote.

He also called upon shopkeepers and traders to proudly promote Indian-made goods, while encouraging state governments to create a more investment-friendly environment that nurtures industry and manufacturing.

According to the Prime Minister, the new GST framework, effective from September 22, will bring direct benefits to households and businesses. The simplified system now primarily consists of two tax slabs — 5% and 18%. Essential items such as food, medicines, soaps, toothpaste, and insurance are either exempt or taxed at the lowest 5% rate, while many items previously in the 12% bracket have been shifted down to 5%.

Shopkeepers across the country, he noted, have already begun displaying “then and now” boards to illustrate how the reforms have lowered tax rates, providing visible savings to consumers.

The Prime Minister stressed that lower GST rates will translate into more disposable income, making it easier for families to achieve aspirations like building homes, buying vehicles, purchasing appliances, eating out, or planning holidays. He also pointed to broader government measures, including substantial income tax cuts in recent years, which have resulted in savings of nearly ?2.5 lakh crore for citizens.

Reflecting on the 2017 GST rollout as a historic milestone, Modi described it as a “turning point” that freed citizens and businesses from the complexities of multiple taxes, bringing uniformity under the One Nation, One Tax principle. He praised the GST Council for its pro-people decisions achieved through Centre–state cooperation.

The latest reforms, he explained, aim to simplify compliance, reduce rates, and leave more money in the hands of the people, with special benefits for small businesses, entrepreneurs, traders, and MSMEs. Lower taxes and easier rules, he said, would boost sales, ease operations, and create a more conducive environment for growth.

Concluding his letter, the Prime Minister conveyed warm Navratri wishes, saying: “May this festive season and the ‘GST Savings Festival’ bring joy, savings, and greater prosperity to every Indian household.”

With inputs from IANS