Why is Union Minister Shekhawat Encouraging a Festival of GST Savings?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- GST reforms are viewed as a festival of savings.
- Importance of Made in India products.
- Call for traders to pass on savings to consumers.
- Historical parallels with past national appeals.
- New dual significance of the festival season.
New Delhi, Sep 21 (NationPress) Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Sunday embraced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address to the nation, urging citizens to commemorate the latest GST reforms as a “festival of savings” during the auspicious Navratri season.
While addressing the media in Jodhpur, Shekhawat mentioned that the Prime Minister's announcement regarding lower tax rates on essential goods would provide significant relief to households and benefit both consumers and merchants.
“From the first day of Navratri to the following nine days, the savings every family experiences due to decreased GST on everyday items should be celebrated like a festival. Traders are encouraged to pass on these savings to consumers, and BJP workers will visit shops to express gratitude for their cooperation,” he stated.
The Union Minister also emphasized the importance of opting for ‘Made in India’ products.
“Whenever we visit the market, we should take pride in purchasing products made in India. We must integrate ‘Make in India’ into our daily choices and prioritize local goods,” Shekhawat asserted.
He drew comparisons with previous national appeals made by the Prime Minister, recalling the unity shown by citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When PM Modi called for the ‘Janata Curfew’, the nation complied. When he asked us to light lamps for frontline workers, the entire country illuminated like Diwali. Today, his plea for adopting swadeshi and fostering self-reliance will also be met with the same enthusiasm,” he remarked.
Shekhawat highlighted that the Prime Minister's direction is not merely about economic changes but about forging a new national ethos.
“This initiative will guide India towards self-sufficiency through swadeshi, motivating every citizen to participate in the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he commented.
He concluded by stating that the festival season will now have a dual importance—spiritual reverence during Navratri and economic empowerment through the celebration of GST savings.