‘Benefit For Farmers, MSME, Middle-Class, Youth’: PM Modi On GST Reforms After Council Nod To 2-Slab System
PM Modi lauded GST Council's approval of next-generation reforms, including rate rationalisation and process improvements. A simplified dual-rate system replaces the previous four-slab structure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the Union Government’s push for next-generation reforms in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been accepted by the GST Council, describing the move as one that would benefit farmers, MSMEs, the middle class, women and youth.
“During my Independence Day Speech, I had spoken about our intention to bring the Next-Generation reforms in GST. The Union Government had prepared a detailed proposal for broad-based GST rate rationalisation and process reforms, aimed at ease of living for the common man and strengthening the economy. Glad to state that GST Council comprising the Union and the States, has collectively agreed to the proposals submitted by the Union Government on GST rate cuts & reforms, which will benefit the common man, farmers, MSMEs, middle-class, women and youth,” PM Modi posted on X.
During my Independence Day Speech, I had spoken about our intention to bring the Next-Generation reforms in GST.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 3, 2025
The Union Government had prepared a detailed proposal for broad-based GST rate rationalisation and process reforms, aimed at ease of living for the common man and…
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the reform as historic, stating, "PM Narendra Modi stands for what he commits. This historic decision of GST rate cuts and process reforms will bring huge relief to the poor and middle class, while also supporting farmers, MSMEs, women and youth. By simplifying the system and reducing the burden on common citizens, these reforms will not only ensure ease of living but also give a big boost to ease of doing business, especially for small traders and entrepreneurs. A truly transformative decision for Bharat!"
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh remarked that this reform will bring ease of living and doing business while also boosting India’s self-reliance. He stated, "The Government of India, under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, has announced the Next-Gen GST reforms to bring relief across sectors. With tax rates reduced on many important items, this reform will bring ease of living, further strengthen ease of doing business, empower small businesses, and boost India’s self-reliance under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. I thank PM Modi and the FM Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman for taking this bold decision."
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal lauded the reforms as PM Modi's Diwali Gifts. He wrote, "PM Narendra Modi's historic Diwali gift for all! Heartiest congratulations to PM Modi ji and FM Nirmala Sitharaman on the introduction of the Next Gen GST reforms, duly supported by the GST Council in line with the Union Government’s proposals on GST rate cuts and reforms. These broad-based GST rate rationalisation and process reforms are aimed at enhancing ease of living for citizens, supporting farmers, MSMEs, the middle-class, women, and youth, while fostering growth across key sectors of the economy. The GST reforms will benefit consumers, strengthen ease of doing business, and create new opportunities for small traders, enterprises, and industry, reinforcing the vision of Viksit Bharat and advancing India’s journey towards sustainable and inclusive growth."
Dual GST Slab System from September 22
The GST Council, at its 56th meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, approved a simplified dual rate system of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, replacing the earlier four-slab structure. Sitharaman, addressing reporters after the meeting, announced that the new system will come into effect on 22 September.
She expressed gratitude to all members of the Council, noting their unanimous consent despite “minor” concerns. “PM Modi asked to give relief to customers in GST,” she said, while underlining that the reforms were designed with the common man in mind.
“These reforms have been carried out with a focus on the common man. Every tax on the common man’s daily use items has gone through a rigorous review and in most cases the rates have come down drastically… Labour intensive industries have been given a good support. Farmers and the agriculture sector, as well as the health sector, will benefit. Key drivers of the economy will be given prominence,” Sitharaman added.
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