“No one can forget how the Congress government had increased your monthly budget… They used to levy a 21% tax even on toffees for children. If Modi had done this, they would have pulled my hair out.“NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that wide-ranging reforms approved by the GST Council will improve the lives of citizens as he hailed the overhaul of the tangled Goods and Services Tax regime.In an interaction with National Teacher awardees, Modi noted that five new gems (panch ratna) have been added to India’s vibrant economy through the GST reforms.The GST Council on Wednesday approved a GST rate overhaul by limiting slabs to 5 per cent and 18 per cent effective from September 22, the first day of Navaratri. The prime minister also targeted the Congress party, saying that during the Congress regime, basic household items used to be “heavily taxed” and the BJP government has tried to address those issues for the ease of common man. “No one can forget how the Congress government had increased your monthly budget… They used to levy a 21% tax even on toffees for children. If Modi had done this, they would have pulled my hair out.”The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led NDA government has been in power at the Center since 2014.

Here are top quotes from PM Modi’s address

“Without timely changes, we cannot give our country its rightful place in today’s global situation. I had said from the Red Fort on 15 August this time that it is crucial to undertake next-generation reforms to make India self-reliant. I had also promised the countrymen that there would be a double blast of happiness before this Diwali and Chhath Puja,” PM Modi said while interacting with National Awardee Teachers.“GST 2.0 is a double dose of support and growth for the nation. Next generation reforms in GST has been done to support India’s progress in 21st century. Five new gems (panch ratna) have been added to India’s vibrant economy through GST reforms,” he said.Praising the GST rate overhaul, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Now GST has become even simpler… On 22 September, which is the first day of Navratri, the next gen reform will be implemented as all these things are definitely related to the ‘Matrishakti’.” He added, “GST 2.0 is a double dose of support and growth for the nation.”PM Modi also said the quality of life of citizens will improve after the reforms. “Quality of life of Indian citizens will improve, consumption and growth will get a new booster dose post-GST reforms,” the prime minister said. He further said, “Better ease of doing business will give a boost to investments and employment,” adding, “GST reforms will strengthen cooperative federalism to build a developed India.”Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the impact of the reforms on the youth. “Another benefit for the youth is going to be in the fitness sector. Tax has been reduced on services like gym, salon, yoga, which means our youth will be fit as well as hit,” he said.The Prime Minister also pointed to income tax relief measures announced this year. “This year, not only has GST been reduced, but income tax has also been substantially lowered. Income up to Rs 12 lakh has been made completely tax-free. As people file their ITRs these days, they can truly experience the relief and satisfaction that this decision brings,” he said.