‘GST Savings Festival’ Kicks Off Today, BJP MPs to Highlight New Tax Rates in Markets

As part of a country-wide campaign to highlight the benefits of the newly launched Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, the BJP has launched a seven-day campaign under the banner of the 'GST Savings Festival'.

Beginning Monday and continuing till September 29, all BJP Members of Parliament (MPs) and workers have been told to go to local markets in their constituencies to extol the new GST rates and spread a festive mood.

The initiative coincides with the rollout of GST 2.0, a major overhaul of the tax system that introduces a simplified two-slab structure and lowers GST on more than 375 items, including several everyday essentials.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the launch of this nationwide "GST Utsav" during his Sunday address, describing it as a “festival of savings” for every Indian.

Part of the campaign will see BJP MPs and party workers going for morning and evening padyatras (foot marches) every day in a identified market area. During the foot marches, they will go around the shops, offer flowers to the shopkeepers, and give festive greetings for the Navratri festival. MPs will also distribute specially made placards with the following slogans, "Say it with pride, this is Swadeshi" or "Say it with pride, this is Made in India," urging shopkeepers to fix them in their establishments.

In addition to propagating the new GST advantages, the campaign supports a concurrent 'Swadeshi Campaign,' emphasizing Indian products and self-dependence. Marches will be accompanied by banners displaying the Swadeshi slogan, and placards in local languages with standard designs across the country will be created.

Party authorities have asked all MPs to report their outreach efforts to both central and state offices.

Addressing on the occasion, PM Modi emphasized that the GST reforms have been initiated to benefit the poor, middle class, MSMEs, women, and youth, translating into huge savings for household expenses. "From tomorrow, you will be able to buy your favourite items with ease. This is like a GST saving festival for every Indian," he added.

The new GST prices, which will come into force on Monday, are set to make a wide array of items—from food and snacks to drugs and household items—more affordable for consumers, as well as reduce compliance costs for companies.