GST Reforms Take Effect as Modi Touts 'Savings Festival' in 5 p.m. National Address

An opposition lawmaker says the early slot accommodated an India–Pakistan cricket match, a claim reported without independent verification.

Overview

Next-generation GST changes took effect on September 22, the first day of Shardiya Navaratri, following approvals earlier this month.
Modi described the rollout as a "Bachat Utsav" and said combined income tax and GST exemptions would save more than Rs 2.5 lakh crore.
He urged buyers and sellers to prioritize Made-in-India products, framing the push as part of a broader Swadeshi and self-reliance effort.
The government said lower GST rates and simpler procedures will directly benefit MSMEs, small industries, and cottage enterprises.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned the 5 p.m. timing, citing the India–Pakistan match and the PM’s “usual” 8 p.m. slot, with one outlet noting its report of the claim was auto-generated from an agency feed.