Prime Minister Narendra Modi Address: GST Rate Cuts & H-1B Visa Concerns
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation this Sunday at 5 PM, marking an important moment ahead of significant changes to GST rates and global developments influencing Indian professionals abroad. The announcement followed the recent updates by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on GST reforms and came just one day after the US hiked H-1B visa fees, prompting reactions from various Indian political parties and stakeholders.
Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Address
PM Modi’s speech was expected to clarify the government’s stance on new Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, which took effect on September 22, reducing costs for many consumer goods. The reforms, labelled as 'NextGen GST,' slashed the 12% and 28% tax slabs, with higher rates applied to luxury and 'sin' goods like tobacco, high-end vehicles, and sugary drinks. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed these changes as a “historic Diwali gift” providing relief on essential items while maintaining higher taxes on wasteful expenditures.
Political Reactions and Public Sentiment
Ahead of Modi’s address, opposition parties questioned whether he would speak about US-India relations, H-1B visa fee hikes, and broader foreign policy issues. The Congress party criticized the government, referring to Modi as a ‘weak PM’ due to the steep H-1B visa fee hikes imposed by the US, fearing they could force returning migration of Indian professionals. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also commented on the lack of protection for Indians abroad amid rising visa fees and international tensions. The AAP leader Durgesh Pathak articulated the anxieties of citizens regarding inflation and economic challenges, hoping for tangible government relief.
GST Reforms and Their Impact
The GST Council, chaired by Nirmala Sitharaman, introduced reforms that grouped hundreds of items into lower tax brackets, aiming to ease the financial burden on households. Key exemptions and reductions applied to goods such as bikes, cars, steel, cement, and housing products, supporting youth aspirations and infrastructure growth.
Luxury goods, tobacco, and high-end vehicles continue to be taxed at much higher rates, reflecting the government’s policy to restrict excess spending and encourage prudent consumption.
Past Addresses and National Announcements
Historically, PM Modi has used national addresses for major announcements, including demonetization in 2016 and the rollback of farm laws in 2021. These speeches often aim to reassure the public and outline policy directions during times of transition or crisis.
Where to Watch
The address was livestreamed on PM Modi’s official YouTube channel, enabling citizens across India to follow updates and government policy decisions in real time.
This address came at a crucial junction for India, where economic reforms intersect with the realities of global politics. Citizens and stakeholders continue to watch keenly as the government navigates economic relief, diplomatic challenges, and the hopes of millions of Indians whose futures are linked to both domestic policy and global opportunity.