Overview

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the go-live with an open letter launching the GST Bachat Utsav and claimed combined savings of nearly Rs 2.5 lakh crore when paired with recent income tax cuts.
• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led a market march in Gorakhpur, urging traders to pass on lower rates to customers and highlighting textiles moving from 12% to 5% and life-saving drugs becoming tax-free.
• The reform simplifies the structure to two main slabs of 5% and 18%, shifts most items previously at 12% to 5%, and places essential goods such as food and many medicines in the zero or 5% bands.
• Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi welcomed the changes, saying easier compliance and lower rates will support MSMEs, spur demand for swadeshi products, and align with Make in India goals.
• Local traders voiced support, with textile businesses expecting stronger sales from the rate cut as authorities promote awareness to ensure benefits reach consumers.