In his address to the nation on the eve of Navaratri, which will mark the implementation of the revised GST rates, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about GST reforms and pushed for ‘Swadeshi goods’ while urged the state governments to accelerate their manufacturing efforts while also assisting in the push for Make in India products in the economy.

The Prime Minister asked the state governments to promote ‘Made in India’ local products to support the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Modi also turned the nation’s attention to the need for accelerating the manufacturing operations in the States to create an environment which fosters investment in the country.

“Today, I appeal to all state governments: along with the campaign for a self-reliant India and the promotion of local products, I urge you to accelerate manufacturing in your states with full energy and enthusiasm and create a conducive environment for investment,” said PM Modi in his speech.

In his over 19-minute address, Modi said the revised GST rates reflect his government’s mantra of “naagrik devo bhawah” (citizens are like gods) as it will bring down the price of everyday item.

GST realised the ‘one nation-one tax’ dream, said the Prime Minister, highlighting how the web of taxes and tolls had created hardships for businesses and consumers.

“From tomorrow, it will be like a GST saving festival. It will bring happiness to every family.”

Modi added that he reduction in GST rates and the simplification of rules and procedures will greatly benefit our MSMEs, small industries, and cottage industries.

He also said that in the last 11 years, 25 crore people in the country have defeated poverty, emerging now as the neo-middle class.

Meanwhile, after PM Modi’s speech, the industry body, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal, said, “Prime Minister Modi’s address has once again proved that GST is not merely a tax reform but a powerful tool to build a transparent, simple, and progressive economy. His vision of next-generation GST reflects the aspirations of traders, consumers, and every citizen who wishes to see India as the world’s third-largest economy,” said CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal.