Yogi says GST reforms boost traders and consumers

Two days after the ‘Next-Gen GST Reforms’ came into effect on the first day of Sharadiya Navratri, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised the reduced tax rates for benefiting consumers, traders, and entrepreneurs alike. Speaking at a press conference outside Universal Booksellers in Hazratganj market on Wednesday, the CM said the positive response to the reforms was being felt across the country.

“The buzz of the Next-Gen GST reforms is resonating throughout India,” Adityanath said. “From ordinary citizens to entrepreneurs, everyone is expressing gratitude to the Modi government for the reduced GST rates.” He highlighted how the relief, which started on September 22, was easing the financial burden on households and boosting the market ahead of the busy festive season, including Diwali. “Uttar Pradesh, as the largest consumer state in the country, stands to gain the most from these changes,” he added.

The Chief Minister pointed out several key benefits of the reform: GST has been reduced to zero on essential student items like notebooks and pencils, many household goods are now taxed at either zero or 5%, and 33 life-saving medicines have been exempted from GST. This has encouraged greater consumption, which in turn has driven higher production, creating new opportunities for traders, entrepreneurs, and the youth.

CM Adityanath also shared data on GST collections, noting that nationally they have risen from ₹7 lakh crore to ₹22 lakh crore. In Uttar Pradesh, collections have grown from ₹49,000 crore to over ₹1.15 lakh crore since the reforms were implemented. To spread awareness, pamphlets and banners explaining the GST changes were distributed during the event.

Before the press conference, the CM visited several shops in Hazratganj, interacting with traders and consumers to check if the benefits of the reforms were reaching them. At the Satguru Kirana Store, he discussed how reduced taxes on essentials like butter and ghee were helping both sellers and buyers, even putting up a GST handbill at the counter.

Local business owners welcomed the CM’s visit. Murlidhar Ahuja, director of Moti Mahal Sweets, said, “In 50 years, no other CM has visited our outlet. Yogi Ji came, interacted with customers, and ensured the benefits of GST were understood.” Similarly, Chander Prakash of Universal Booksellers expressed excitement, saying it was great to see books receiving focus and appreciated the CM’s engagement with the community.

Shoppers and shopkeepers alike expressed satisfaction with the GST reductions. The CM emphasized that these reforms were vital to the state’s economy and would help ease inflationary pressures. Under the ‘GST Savings Festival’, he assured that the government was committed to ensuring the benefits would reach every trader and customer.