HT Bureau
NAMSAI, Sept 19: The BJP Arunachal Pradesh Namsai District unit on Friday organised the first-ever “Next Gen GST – A Citizen-Centric Reform” awareness programme at the Multi-Purpose Cultural Hall, Namsai, drawing enthusiastic participation from all sections of society including entrepreneurs, homestay owners, shopkeepers, business community members, party karyakartas and the general public.
The programme was graced by deputy chief minister Chowna Mein, who also holds the Finance and Planning portfolio.
In his keynote address, Mein described the GST reforms as a historic decision of the Modi-led government and a landmark move aimed at bringing relief to the middle class, empowering small businesses and strengthening the overall economy.
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“These reforms are people-centric—reducing costs, creating opportunities, and empowering Arunachal Pradesh to achieve inclusive growth. Let us embrace this change and work together towards a Viksit Arunachal and Viksit Bharat 2047,” he said.
Mein further elaborated on the next-generation GST reforms announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and approved by the 56th GST Council, expressing gratitude to the Centre for introducing these measures.
He noted that the simplified tax structure—reduced to three slabs of 5%, 18% and 40% for luxury or harmful goods—would not only reduce compliance burdens but also ensure affordability for the common citizen.
According to the deputy CM, the reforms effective from September 22 would make daily essentials and packaged foods cheaper, provide affordable access to farm machinery and handicrafts, and exempt or reduce GST on life-saving medicines and health insurance.
He added that education, wellness, tourism and transport services would now become more affordable, while women entrepreneurs and MSMEs would receive a special boost through targeted provisions.
Expanded digital access, even in remote districts, has also been prioritised under the reforms.
The event began with a plantation drive organised under the “Sewa Pakhwada – Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, where dignitaries, party workers and local residents joined hands to promote environmental conservation.
Earlier, Namsai District BJP president Ningroo Ong Maio extended a warm welcome to the gathering.
Chau Zingnu Namchoom, MLA, State BJP vice-president and advisor to the Home Minister (RWD, Sports and Youth Affairs), highlighted the objectives of the awareness programme, stressing its importance for grassroots stakeholders such as small shop owners, farmers, women entrepreneurs and youth-led startups.
Tojir Kadu, MLA Nari-Koyu and co-convenor of “Next Gen GST,” shared insights on how the reforms would energise local entrepreneurship, provide relief to small traders, and boost the regional economy of Arunachal Pradesh.
The gathering was further enriched by the participation of several prominent leaders and community representatives.
Among them were Namsai ZPC Nang Urmila Mancheykhun, State BJKM general secretary Chau Sujana Namchoom, ZPMs, TKSC members and a wide representation of business community leaders and homestay owners from Namsai, Mahadevpur, Chongkham and Wakro.
Their presence, along with the enthusiastic participation of the public and party karyakartas, reflected the significance of the reforms at the grassroots level.
The state BJP unit extended congratulations to the Namsai district unit and convener Chow Ratna Longkan for successfully organising the programme and spreading awareness on this major citizen-centric financial reform.
The event not only underlined the economic benefits of the reforms but also demonstrated the BJP’s effort to engage directly with citizens at the district level, ensuring that complex policy changes are clearly understood by those most impacted.
