Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hailed the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms as the “biggest decision since India’s Independence,” emphasizing their potential to ease the financial burden on citizens while boosting economic growth.
In a statement, Modi described the reforms as a “double dose” of support and development, highlighting that the tax cuts would not only reduce costs for the public but also strengthen the nation’s economy. Criticizing the previous Congress-led government, he noted that it had imposed taxes on essential items, including a 21% tax on children’s toffees, adding, “If Modi had done this, they would have pulled my hair out,” underscoring the contrast with the current policies.
The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to next-generation reforms aimed at making India self-reliant, a promise he had made during his Independence Day speech. He assured citizens that these measures would bring a “double blast of happiness” ahead of the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja.
Modi outlined five major benefits of the GST reforms: a simplified two-slab tax structure to ease compliance for businesses and consumers; reduced taxes to enhance the quality of life; measures to boost consumption and drive economic growth; improvements in the ease of doing business to encourage investment and job creation; and strengthened cooperative federalism to promote balanced development across states.
Highlighting the impact on youth and lifestyle sectors, Modi noted that the tax cuts would benefit gyms, salons, yoga centers, and other wellness services. Analysts say these reforms mark a significant shift in India’s tax landscape, reflecting the government’s focus on economic modernization, inclusive growth, and a citizen-friendly fiscal framework.
