PM Narendra Modi Launches GST Bachat Utsav and Inaugurates ₹5,100 Crore Development Projects in Arunachal Pradesh
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bachat Utsav was launched in Arunachal Pradesh on September 22, 2025, marking the introduction of the Next-Gen GST reforms. The nationwide initiative aims to simplify the tax structure and ensure that savings from reduced GST rates are directly passed on to consumers—promoting affordability and growth across sectors.
Launch of “Next-Gen” GST Reforms from Arunachal Pradesh
The GST Bachat Utsav was officially launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi from Itanagar, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in India’s taxation and consumer-benefit framework.
During his interaction with local traders and entrepreneurs in Itanagar, the Prime Minister commended the vibrancy of Arunachal’s small businesses. Local stalls showcased an impressive range of indigenous products—from aromatic teas and flavourful pickles to turmeric, bakery goods, and handicrafts. The Prime Minister highlighted how the Next-Gen GST reforms will benefit farmers, small businesses, and consumers, especially in remote and emerging markets like Arunachal Pradesh.
Key Features and State Benefits under the Next-Gen GST Reforms
- Tax slab reduction: The new GST regime has streamlined tax rates to primarily 5% and 18%, resulting in a notable reduction in the prices of essential goods and services.
- Statewide awareness campaign: Throughout September and October 2025, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, and other leaders organized events such as the GST Bachat Samvad Sammelan across the state. These programs aimed to educate traders, entrepreneurs, and the public about the benefits of the new reforms.
- Significant tax cuts for local products:
○ GST on key agricultural, horticultural, processed, and artisanal products has been reduced from 12–18% to 5%, directly benefiting over 70% of Arunachal Pradesh’s population dependent on farming.
○ Products such as Arunachal Orange, Kiwi, and Adi Kekir Ginger have become more affordable and competitive in domestic and export markets.
○ Processed foods such as biscuits and pickles are now 11% and 7% cheaper, respectively—supporting women’s SHGs and youth-led startups.
○ GST reductions also extend to Yak Churpi (Himalayan cheese), Idu Mishmi textiles, Monpa handmade paper, bamboo and cane furniture, and handcrafted carpets and masks—boosting traditional crafts and enhancing artisan incomes. - Empowering farmers, artisans, and MSMEs:
These reforms are expected to strengthen Arunachal Pradesh’s agricultural base and revive rural livelihoods by making local industries—from horticulture to handicrafts—more cost-competitive. The resulting price advantage will help widen market access, support exports, and stimulate inclusive growth.
The Prime Minister also distributed “Garv Se Kaho Yeh Swadeshi” posters to traders, reinforcing the call to support locally made products and nurture the spirit of self-reliance through quality and innovation.
Foundation of Major Infrastructure Projects
In addition to the GST Bachat Utsav, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth over ₹5,100 crore in Itanagar, marking a major step toward accelerating the state’s growth.
The initiatives span key sectors such as power, connectivity, health, tourism, and infrastructure, with two major hydropower projects—Heo (240 MW) and Tato-I (186 MW)—together worth over ₹3,700 crore. These projects will play a pivotal role in strengthening Arunachal Pradesh’s position as India’s clean energy hub.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Convention Centre in Tawang, located at an altitude of 9,820 feet. Designed to host over 1,500 delegates, the centre will serve as a premier venue for national and international conferences, promoting tourism, business, and cultural exchange in the frontier district.
Additionally, projects worth over ₹1,290 crore were launched to improve healthcare infrastructure, connectivity, fire safety systems, and working women’s hostels, ensuring balanced development across sectors and regions.
These initiatives mark a major step forward in strengthening connectivity, boosting renewable energy capacity, and promoting sustainable development in the state.
A Shared Vision for the Northeast
Welcoming the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu hailed the visit as a historic day for Arunachal Pradesh. He reiterated the Prime Minister’s guiding vision that “The nation will move forward only when the Northeast moves forward.”
The Prime Minister’s interaction with local entrepreneurs at the Swadeshi Stalls in Itanagar reflected his deep belief in the power of local enterprise and the enduring potential of the Northeast as a hub of innovation, craftsmanship, and natural wealth.
Looking Ahead
With the launch of the Next-Gen GST reforms, the empowerment of local industries, and the foundation of major infrastructure projects, Arunachal Pradesh stands at the threshold of a transformative era. These initiatives embody the spirit of Viksit Bharat—a vision of inclusive, regionally balanced growth that leaves no corner of the nation behind.
