CM Shri Vishnu Deo Sai Visits Markets to Review GST Savings Festival

“GST reforms will accelerate economic activities and boost local employment” – CM Shri Sai

Traders Show Great Enthusiasm for GST Savings Festival
Grand Welcome for the Chief Minister from Jaistambh Chowk to Gurunanak Chowk in Raipur
Navratri Festivities Combine with GST 2.0 Excitement Among Traders and Consumers

Raipur, Sept 2025 : On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai visited M.G. Road and nearby prominent markets of the capital Raipur, where he interacted warmly with traders and consumers. The event was especially significant as the recently implemented GST 2.0 under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has brought new simplicity and transparency to the tax system. The Chief Minister’s arrival filled the markets with joy and enthusiasm. Traders and citizens welcomed him at various points, with chants of “Thanks to Modi Ji” echoing in the air. Interacting directly with shopkeepers, the Chief Minister inquired about the benefits traders and consumers have gained from the new tax regime.

In the evening, CM Shri Sai undertook a market walk from Jaistambh Chowk through Mahatma Gandhi Road up to Gurunanak Chowk, visiting various establishments to review the GST Savings Festival. During his visit, he also put up Savings Festival stickers in shops and held cordial discussions with local shopkeepers and customers.

The market visit witnessed tremendous enthusiasm among traders. Various trade associations and business owners extended a warm welcome to the Chief Minister.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sai said that GST reforms will accelerate economic activities and promote local employment. He emphasized that the extensive GST reforms carried out under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi have reduced taxes, directly benefiting consumers.

The Chief Minister began his market tour with prayers at Shri Shankar Hanuman Temple in Sharda Chowk.

During interactions, Ms. Richa Thakur, a resident of Samta Colony shopping at Leela Shriram Electronics, said that the GST reduction had eased a big concern. She explained that she had to purchase five air-conditioners for her hostel. The price of each unit, earlier ₹35,000, had dropped to ₹30,000 after tax cuts and discounts, resulting in a one-time saving of ₹25,000. She expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for the decision.

Similarly, Shri Mohan Nebhani, proprietor of M.S. Traders, shared that during the festival, the Chief Minister himself visited his shop to inquire about customer benefits. He explained that GST reduction has boosted consumer purchases, with savings of ₹1,000–2,000 on each product.

CM Shri Sai also visited several shops along Mahatma Gandhi Road, engaging warmly with traders and customers. People showered him with flower petals as a mark of welcome. At Jaistambh Chowk, he was received by the Chamber of Commerce and party representatives. Later, at Sharda Chowk, he offered prayers to the Goddess and conveyed Navratri greetings to devotees.

From Poonam Hotel to Manju Mamta Hotel, the Chief Minister continued his walk, interacting with small vendors and large business owners alike. Everyone expressed eagerness to share their experiences with him, and he patiently listened, learning firsthand how GST 2.0 was benefitting them.

He also visited establishments like Tiny Teaser and Kids on Wheel Cycle Store to review reduced tax rates on children’s products and household goods. At electronics shops, he learned how consumers were now able to buy goods at significantly lower prices. Shopkeepers shared that the new provisions had made business easier and boosted consumer confidence.

Reflecting on the experience, the Chief Minister said that the coincidence of Navratri celebrations and historic GST rate reductions was no less than a festival for both traders and consumers. He remarked that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the tax system has become more transparent and simpler, making trade easier while putting direct savings into the hands of ordinary citizens.

Explaining in detail, he said that now only two tax slabs remain. Essential goods like soap, toothpaste, bicycles, and kitchen items will be available at just 5% GST, saving every family ₹3,000–₹5,000 annually. Similarly, food items like bread, milk, packaged snacks, and chickpeas are now completely tax-free, leading to annual savings of ₹2,500–₹3,500. Removal of tax on health and life insurance will also save citizens around ₹4,500 annually on a ₹25,000 policy, while senior citizens will save between ₹8,000–₹10,000 annually on insurance premiums.

Shri Sai further added that GST 2.0 will greatly benefit the business community, positively impacting industry, trade, investment, and employment.

Appealing to entrepreneurs and traders, the Chief Minister urged them to promote local products, while also calling upon consumers to proudly say, “I buy Indian, I sell Indian.” He described this as a mantra that would take India’s economic future to new heights.

On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, MLA Shri Sunil Soni, Shri Purandar Mishra, Shri Moti Lal Sahu, NAN Chairman Shri Sanjay Srivastava, Amit Chimnani, Ramesh Thakur, Nandan Jain, along with local public representatives, various trade organizations, and a large number of prominent citizens were present.