New Delhi, September 21
Slamming the opposition for criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said Congress and its eco-system only spread "negativity and baseless criticism."
https://x.com/nsitharaman/status/1969780372524417531
"Marking the commencement of the #NextGenGST as #GSTBachatUtsav PM@narendramodiji's address to the nation had several messages. Unfortunate, that despite a positive and direction-setting address, our opposition party@INCIndiaand its SM eco-system spread negativity and baseless criticism. #NextGenGST is a people-centric reform.Here are the messages from our PM's address," the post read.
Further in the post, Sitharaman wrote on the benefits of the reforms and stated that India should be 'Atmanirbhar', highlighting the need for local manufacturing and also called out the need to become equal partners in the growth of the country.
"1. GST reform benefits the poor, the middle class, new middle class, yuva, kisan,women, shopkeepers and udhyami 2. Nagrik Devo Bhava is a strong focus 3. India should be #AtmanirbharBharat 4. We should be proud of swadeshi--"Garv se kaho, ye swadeshi hai" 5. Support local manufacturing 6. Emphasises on cooperative federalism 7. Calls on states to become equal partners in growth 8. We should all work to accelerate growth, make it easy for business to function and be attractive for investment 9. Such a big tax reform became possible by taking all states together, since 2017," the post further read.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the implementation of the next-generation Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms from September 22, marking what he called a major step towards the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
Addressing the nation ahead of the rollout, PM Modi said the reforms would usher in a countrywide "GST Bachat Utsav," benefiting poor, middle-class, farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs alike.
"From the sunrise of the very first day of Navratri, the nation is taking another important and major step towards the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Tomorrow, on the first day of Navratri, September 22, along with the rising of Suryadev, the Next Generation GST Reforms will come into effect," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the reforms, I wish the government would provide more concrete data on how exactly the poor are benefiting. Sometimes announcements sound good but implementation takes time. Hope this works as promised!
As a small shopkeeper, GST compliance was a nightmare. If these reforms make it easier for small businesses like mine, it's a welcome step. Support local manufacturing is the right direction 🇮🇳
Interesting to see the timing with Navratri. The government knows how to connect policies with cultural moments. Hope the reforms deliver real benefits to people across economic backgrounds.
Cooperative federalism is crucial for GST success. Glad to see states being made equal partners. This is how India should function - center and states working together for development 🚀
The opposition should provide constructive criticism instead of just negativity. Every reform has teething problems, but constant criticism without alternatives doesn't help anyone. Let's give reforms a chance!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.