Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced the commencement of the first phase of the "GST Reforms Awareness Campaign," scheduled to run from September 22nd to 29th. This initiative aims to educate the public, particularly traders and shopkeepers, about the benefits of the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms and promote the sale of indigenous products.
The campaign will focus on disseminating information about the restructured GST framework, which primarily introduces a two-slab system where most goods and services will be taxed at either 5% or 18%. Luxury goods and sin products will be subject to higher tax rates. The primary goal is to ensure that traders, shopkeepers, and citizens can fully benefit from these reforms, especially during the festive season.
To ensure the campaign's success, Chief Minister Adityanath has instructed public representatives to take the lead in their respective areas. He, along with the two Deputy Chief Ministers, will actively participate in the campaign. Members of Parliament (MPs), ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs), and corporators are expected to dedicate one to two hours daily to visit local markets and engage directly with shopkeepers and the public. Ministers in charge of each district will coordinate with local representatives to ensure the campaign's effectiveness at the grassroots level.
As a gesture of appreciation, public representatives will visit markets daily, offering roses to shopkeepers and informing them about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's implementation of the GST reforms. Shopkeepers will be encouraged to display posters with the message "Garv Se Kaho Swadeshi Hai" ("Say with pride that it is Swadeshi") and prioritize selling indigenous products to strengthen the local economy.
Chief Minister Adityanath has emphasized that "Swadeshi" (indigenous) represents India's labor, skill, and perseverance. He stressed that adopting indigenous products is crucial for achieving a self-reliant and developed India. He has urged both shopkeepers and customers to take pride in using Swadeshi products, thereby boosting the nation's economic progress.
The campaign aims to convey that the GST reforms will make goods more affordable, boost purchasing power, attract investments, and create new employment opportunities. Public representatives will explain that the reforms have simplified business operations and reduced costs for consumers. They will also highlight that using indigenous products will contribute to building a self-reliant and strong nation.
Chief Minister Adityanath has instructed ministers in charge to visit their respective districts and engage with local bodies, business associations, farmers, and the general public to communicate the benefits of the reforms. He has called for the simultaneous implementation of the campaign across the state, with the active involvement of local representatives. The comprehensive outreach aims to ensure that awareness reaches every level, making the reform equally beneficial for traders and consumers.
