PM Modi’s 5 PM Speech: GST Reforms, I-T Exemptions, and a Push for Swadeshi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation at 5 PM today (September 21, 2025), announcing sweeping reforms under GST 2.0 and fresh income tax relief. Calling the moment a “GST saving festival”, Modi assured that medicines, insurance, and everyday essentials will get cheaper starting tomorrow. His message also carried a strong call for self-reliance and swadeshi manufacturing, tying economic reform to national pride.

Key Announcements from Modi’s Address

1. GST Reforms Begin Tomorrow: The tax system will primarily have just two slabs — 5% and 18% — with a 40% rate only for sin and luxury goods.
2. Income Tax Relief: The exemption limit raised to ₹12 lakh annually, offering major relief to the middle class.
3. Cheaper Essentials: Medicines, daily-use goods, and insurance premiums will see price cuts due to simplified GST.
4. Swadeshi Push: Modi urged citizens to buy Made in India products, linking it to India’s growth story.
5. Double Bonanza: The combination of GST relief and income tax exemption was described as a “double gift” for the poor, middle, and neo-middle class.

Modi’s Focus on the Common Citizen

Unlike some past reforms framed in technical terms, today’s address was directly targeted at families and households. Modi emphasised how a simpler tax structure would:

• Lower costs on daily purchases.
• Free up disposable income.
• Reduce paperwork for small businesses.

“Every family will feel this change in their pocket,” he said, promising a happier Diwali season with cheaper goods.

The GST 2.0 Roadmap

The reforms come after the 56th GST Council meeting, where both the Union and states agreed to a simplified slab system. This will:

• End confusion caused by multiple tax brackets.
• Support MSMEs and traders with easier compliance.
• Accelerate India’s growth by boosting consumption.
• Experts are calling this the biggest overhaul since GST’s launch in 2017.

Self-Reliance and Swadeshi

Modi tied the reforms to his long-standing Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. He reminded the nation that swadeshi played a vital role in the freedom movement and insisted it must guide India’s next growth phase too.

“Every house, every shop should proudly say: Made in India,” he declared, urging states to strengthen manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports.

Broader Context: H-1B and Global Concerns

The speech also came against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s H-1B visa fee hike, which has rattled Indian professionals. While Modi did not directly address the fee issue, his stress on self-reliance and domestic job creation can be read as a subtle reassurance to worried families.

Quick Takeaway

• GST 2.0 reforms start tomorrow with 5% and 18% slabs.
• Income tax exemption limit raised to ₹12 lakh.
• Essentials, medicines, insurance to get cheaper.
• Modi links reforms to swadeshi and national pride.
• Aimed at boosting consumption, easing business, and helping the middle class.

FAQs on PM Modi’s GST Speech

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