Reduced GST, a Sweet Gift of Savings: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that the dream of a self-reliant and developed India will be a reality soon. Every citizen of the country must become an equal partner in this endeavor. Dr. Yadav said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given the people of India a gift of savings by reducing GST rates. This initiative by the central government is like a Diwali gift for the citizens.

The Chief Minister was interacting with traders and the general public during the “Savings Festival,” a promotional event for next-generation GST reforms, held in the historic Chowk Bazaar of Bhopal on Monday.

Dr. Yadav walked through the market from the Somwara area police outpost to Deepali Saree House, applying “GST Savings Festival” stickers at shops and engaging warmly with shopkeepers and customers. Women buyers were especially pleased by the GST rate cuts and expressed their joy by offering sweets to the CM. He purchased Swadeshi garments and apparel from several establishments and interacted with customers and citizens shopping in the market.During the walk, shopkeepers and the public welcomed the Chief Minister with flowers.

Speaking to the traders, Dr. Yadav emphasized that the newly implemented GST rate cuts, effective nationwide from today, will bring savings and prosperity to the people. He noted that this move, starting from the first day of Sharadiya Navratri, is being celebrated as a ‘GST Savings Festival’ across the country.

The CM appealed to everyone to adopt Swadeshi products, stating that the path to a self-reliant India can only be paved by prioritizing local goods. Under the leadership of PM Shri Modi, the central government’s move is a historic and far-reaching step toward building a self-reliant and developed India, which will prove to be a milestone in the future.

Dr. Yadav also discussed the GST cuts with traders and congratulated them by offering sweets. He visited Vijayvargiya Jewellers in Chowk Bazaar, where he was welcomed with sweets. During his walk, he visited stores including Manyavar, Riwaj, Janki Saree, Dhara Jewellers, Satyam Fabrics, and Deepali Saree House, placing GST Savings Festival stickers in all shops and informing owners about the new GST rates.

He extended Navratri and Dussehra greetings to shopkeepers and customers, purchased clothes for himself, requested a proper bill, and paid via UPI—promoting digital payments. Dr. Yadav called on everyone to spread awareness of the new GST rates and help make the campaign a success.

Dialogue with Trade, Commercial, and Social Organizations

After his market visit, Dr. Yadav interacted with representatives of various trade, commercial, and social organizations at Shri Motilal Mannulal Dharmshala. He extended advance Diwali greetings and said the reduction in GST rates would increase public savings and enhance their purchasing power. This increased demand would revive markets and ultimately provide more economic resources for welfare and development programs.

He said that this reform would also relieve traders and industrialists, as it eliminates the confusion caused by multiple tax slabs. From today, only two GST slabs—5% and 18%—are in effect nationwide. Almost all essential goods fall under the 5% slab, while only luxury items are taxed at 18%.

The Chief Minister said that through GST, PM Modi has given a gift to the people. The GST Savings Festival began on the first day of Navratri. He emphasized the importance of promoting indigenous goods to make India a leading global economy. Dr. Yadav said markets have become significantly more vibrant due to the GST cuts.

He added that PM Modi is working for the welfare of all sections of society. The GST reduction is a Diwali gift to both traders and the public. He emphasized that “Swadeshi is the foundation of national and state development.” Swadeshi was a powerful weapon during the freedom struggle, and by adopting it again, India can move from being the fourth to the third-largest economy in the world.

The state government aims to promote local consumption of locally made products, which are the backbone of the economy. Before the GST cuts, the Prime Minister also provided relief through income tax reforms.

Dr. Yadav got the traders to chant: “Say it with pride—this is Swadeshi!” He also extended greetings for Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti to the Agarwal community and others. The Bhopal Chamber of Commerce presented a memento to the CM.

Visit to ‘Curfew Wali Mata’ Temple

Dr. Yadav began his Chowk Bazaar visit with a darshan and puja at the Curfew Wali Mata Temple, on the occasion of Ghatasthapana marking the start of Sharadiya Navratri. He performed Kanya Pujan, seeking blessings from young girls considered to be representations of the goddess.

During his market visit, he played the damru (a small drum) to express joy, placed posters highlighting the gift of reduced GST rates at shops, and was welcomed with flower showers at various locations.

Those present during the market walk included Bhopal MP Shri Alok Sharma, South-West MLA Shri Bhagwan Das Sabnani, Bhopal Mayor Smt. Malti Rai, Social worker Shri Ravindra Yati, Shri Rahul Kothari, Public representatives and various business and trade organization members.

The representatives of different business organizations warmly welcomed the Chief Minister during the dialogue .