Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the latest GST reforms, saying the new changes will lower the tax burden on the poor and middle class. Speaking at the UP International Trade Show (UPITS) in Noida, the PM said the GST reform is an ongoing process that will strengthen the Indian economy and increase savings for citizens.

He cited an example of how taxes on common items have fallen since the BJP came to power in 2014.

“Before 2014, there were so many taxes that neither businesses nor families could balance their budgets. In 2014, a ₹1,000 shirt carried a tax of ₹117. After the implementation of GST in 2017, the tax came down to ₹50. Now, after the NextGen GST reform, only ₹35 will have to be paid on a ₹1,000 shirt," the Prime Minister said.

Modi emphasized that reforms will continue, saying: “We are not going to stop here… As the economy strengthens further, the tax burden will keep going down… With countrymen’s blessings, reforms in GST will continue.”

He also highlighted the removal of income tax for those earning up to Rs 12 lakh annually, a step introduced under the GST 2.0 reforms.

Besides GST, the Prime Minister pointed to efforts to develop a vibrant defence sector, aiming to create an ecosystem where every component is indigenously made, strengthening India’s self-reliance in manufacturing.