Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged MPs from the ruling NDA to take an active role in promoting the upcoming GST reforms and the ‘Make in India’ initiative by engaging directly with citizens and local businesses. The government expects the revised tax system to ease financial pressure on households while boosting long-term economic growth.

According to officials familiar with the meeting, the Prime Minister asked MPs to hold between 20 and 30 outreach sessions with traders and shopkeepers in their constituencies to explain the benefits of the new GST 2.0 framework, which comes into effect on September 22. Under the revised structure, goods and services will be taxed under just two main slabs—5% and 18%—simplifying the system further.

PM Modi also encouraged lawmakers to host indigenous fairs during the festive season between Navratri and Diwali, promoting the purchase of India-made goods. These events, he said, should showcase the contributions of local artisans, small-scale industries, and micro-enterprises. MPs were additionally asked to organise exhibitions themed “Say with pride, this is Swadeshi,” to strengthen awareness about domestic manufacturing.

The Prime Minister has repeatedly called the latest GST reforms a landmark step in India’s economic journey. He said the simplified model will reduce tax burdens on families, farmers, the middle class, and young people by making essential goods, vehicles, appliances, and healthcare services more affordable.

Last week, while speaking at an event honouring National Awardee Teachers in New Delhi, PM Modi contrasted the current system with pre-2014 tax rates. “Earlier, essential items were taxed anywhere between 17% and 28%. Today, products such as cement, TVs, ACs, and tractors are taxed at either 18%, 5%, or even zero in some cases. This has made life easier for households and farmers,” he noted.

Beyond affordability, the government believes these changes will encourage savings, create a stronger base for domestic consumption, and drive economic expansion.

Separately, sources said the NDA dinner planned for Monday was postponed by PM Modi due to severe flooding in Punjab and other regions. Expressing solidarity with affected citizens, he remarked: “When people are in distress, how can I hold a celebratory dinner?”