Chief Minister Sai visits the market to review the GST Savings Festival.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai receiving an unprecedented warm welcome from Jaistambh Chowkby the traders and consumers for GST reduction-Photo Credit CG/PR

IN Short

*GST reform will accelerate economic activity and benefit local employment – ​​Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

*Traders showed tremendous enthusiasm for the GST Savings Festival.

Raipur: On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai visited the major markets along MG Road and surrounding areas of the capital Raipur and interacted cordially with traders and consumers on Tuesdat September 23, 2024 evening .

This occasion was also special because GST 2.0, implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has brought new simplicity and transparency to the tax system. The Chief Minister’s arrival filled the entire market atmosphere with joy and enthusiasm. Traders and citizens welcomed CM Sai at various places, and slogans of “Thank you Modi ji” echoed. The Chief Minister interacted directly with shopkeepers and learned how the new tax system has significantly benefited both traders and consumers.

Tuesday evening, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai visited the market on foot from Jaistambh Chowk to Gurunanak Chowk via Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Raipur, visiting various establishments to review the GST Savings Festival. During his visit , Chief Minister Sai also pasted Savings Festival stickers on shops and had cordial discussions with local shopkeepers and customers.

Tradespeople were enthusiastic during the market visit. Various business organisations and operators warmly welcomed Chief Minister Sai.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Sai said that the GST reforms will accelerate economic activity in the country, boosting local employment. The recent comprehensive GST reforms implemented by the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have reduced taxes, and consumers are directly benefiting from this.

Chief Minister Sai began his market tour by visiting the Shri Shankar Hanuman Temple at Sharda Chowk.

Speaking with the Chief Minister, Richa Thakur, a resident of Samta Colony, who had come to shop at Leela Shriram Electronics, said that the GST reduction had alleviated a major concern. She explained that she had to purchase five ACs for her hostel. Products that previously cost ₹35,000 per AC were now available for ₹30,000 after the reduction and discount, resulting in a one-time savings of ₹25,000. Richa thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this decision.

Similarly, Mohan Nebhani, proprietor of MS Traders, reported that the Chief Minister personally visited his shop during the Savings Festival and inquired about the benefits to customers. He told the Chief Minister that the GST reduction had increased customer purchasing, with savings of ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per item.

Chief Minister Sai visited various shops on Mahatma Gandhi Marg and had cordial conversations with shopkeepers and customers. During his walk through the market, the Chief Minister was greeted by the public with a shower of flowers.

The Chief Minister was welcomed by the Chamber of Commerce and party officials at Jaistambh Chowk. He then proceeded to Sharda Chowk, where he visited the Goddess idol and interacted cordially with devotees, extending Navratri greetings.

The Chief Minister then proceeded on foot from Poonam Hotel to Manju Mamta Hotel. From small roadside shopkeepers to large establishments, everyone expressed eagerness to interact with the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister listened cordially and solicited their feedback on the benefits of GST 2.0.

Chief Minister Sai visited establishments like Tiny Teaser and Kids on Wheels to learn about the reduced tax rates on children’s items and household goods. Visiting electronics stores, he learned how much cheaper consumers were getting goods compared to before. Shopkeepers expressed that the new provisions have made business easier and increased customer confidence.

Chief Minister Sai, sharing his experience, said that the combination of Navratri and the historic reduction in GST rates is no less than a celebration for both businesses and consumers. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the tax system has become more transparent and simple. This will not only facilitate businesses but also result in direct savings for ordinary consumers.

The Chief Minister elaborated that only two slabs remain. Essential items such as soap, toothpaste, bicycles, and kitchen supplies will now be available at a mere 5 percent tax, saving each family between 3,000 and 5,000 rupees annually.

Similarly, food items such as bread, milk, packaged snacks, and chickpeas have become completely tax-free, resulting in annual savings of 2,500 to 3,500 rupees. The removal of taxes on health and life insurance will also save people approximately 4,500 rupees on a 25,000 rupee policy and 8,000 to 10,000 rupees on senior citizen insurance.

Chief Minister Sai concluded by stating that GST 2.0 will also bring significant benefits to the business community. This reform will have a positive impact on all sectors, including industry, trade, investment, and employment.

The Chief Minister urged entrepreneurs and traders to promote local production and also called upon consumers to proudly say – “I buy Swadeshi and sell Swadeshi.” He described this as a mantra that will take India’s economic future to new heights.

Cabinet Minister Kedar Kashyap, MLAS Sunil Soni, Purandar Mishra, Moti Lal Sahu, State Civil Supplies Corporation’s Chairman Sanjay Srivastava and Amit Chimnani, Ramesh Thakur, Nandan Jain, local public representatives, various business organisations and a large number of dignitaries were present on the occasion.