New Delhi: National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Members of Parliament (MPs) have been requested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to become the propagators of Indian products and personally interact with local traders during the festival time.
Before the vice-presidential poll, Modi briefed the MPs on the importance of ‘Swadeshi Melas’ (indigenous fairs) from Navratri to Diwali as a measure to support the “Made in India” campaign and also make people aware of the newly-introduced Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms.
In his statement, the Prime Minister pointed out that the latest changes in GST rates that became effective from September 22 are creating a favourable atmosphere, which he characterised as a “lehar” (wave). He requested the MPs to use the opportunity by also creating 20 to 30 meetings with local traders and shopkeepers where the benefits of the new tax structure that is simplified and brings down the previous four-tier system to just two main slabs of 5% and 18% could be discussed with them.
Modi included that India’s ambition of becoming self-reliant is of utmost importance, and as the country becomes stronger, it has to move towards ‘aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) for overcoming new challenges. He told MPs that when they are meeting their constituents, they should integrate ‘Swadeshi’ as their main topic, because ‘Swadeshi’ always creates awareness of people making products in India and using them.
The Prime Minister also suggested to the MPs to organise sector-wise exhibitions in their respective constituencies with the theme “Say with pride, this is Swadeshi.” The idea is to let the people have more access to the products which are made locally and get the strength of the domestic economy indirectly through this kind of linkage between the public and the markets of the locality.
The government’s goal to reform the tax system and encourage domestic manufacturing is consistent with this appeal to action. It is anticipated that the GST reforms will reduce the burden on households, farmers, youth, and the middle class by lowering the taxes on essential goods, vehicles, appliances, and healthcare services.