The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will launch a week-long nationwide campaign, the “GST Savings Festival”, from September 22 to 29, aimed at highlighting the benefits of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and its role in promoting economic transparency.
As part of the initiative, all BJP MPs have been instructed to organise pad yatras or foot marches in the markets of their constituencies. The campaign seeks to connect directly with traders, shopkeepers, and the general public, while strengthening grassroots outreach ahead of the festive season.
Party sources said the week-long drive will involve extensive participation from party workers and leaders across states. Through interactions in local markets, BJP hopes to highlight government policies supporting trade and commerce, emphasising how GST has contributed to savings for businesses and consumers alike.
Also read: Govt creates category on national helpline portal to register GST complaints
The campaign follows the 56th GST Council meeting earlier this month, which rationalised GST rates into two main slabs: 5 per cent and 18 per cent, by merging the earlier 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates. The 5 per cent slab covers essential goods and services including food items, kitchen staples, agricultural equipment, handicrafts, small industries, and medical equipment.
The 18 per cent slab applies to most goods and services such as automobiles (small cars and motorcycles up to 350 cc), electronic consumer items, household goods, professional services, and auto parts. Luxury and sin goods, including tobacco, pan masala, high-end motorcycles, yachts, and helicopters, continue to attract a 40 per cent GST.
Certain essential services, including individual health, family floater and life insurance, education, and healthcare, remain fully exempt from GST, the report noted.
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