Namsai, Sep 19: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein today underscored the transformative impact of next-generation GST reforms and reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to health and nutrition during a series of programmes in Namsai and Chongkham.
Addressing the event “Ghati GST, Mila Uphar” organised by BJP Namsai at the Multipurpose Cultural Hall here, Mein explained the sweeping changes introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and approved by the 56th GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Coming into effect from September 22 next, these reforms aim to simplify the GST structure, reduce household expenses, and expand opportunities for farmers, artisans, youth, women entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Calling them “people’s reforms,” Mein said the new GST regime will make daily essentials, medicines, and education-related items cheaper, while reducing costs for farm machinery, handicrafts, and tourism services. “For Arunachal Pradesh, these reforms are especially significant, as they empower farmers, artisans, small entrepreneurs, and women-led businesses, while generating new avenues for self-employment and job creation,” he added.
The Deputy CM also highlighted Arunachal’s impressive GST growth trajectory, noting collections grew from Rs 227 crore in 2017-18 to nearly Rs 1,900 crore in 2023-24 — a rise of over 700% in six years. Registered taxpayers increased from 7,365 in 2017 to 18,477 by mid-2025, reflecting improved digital access, simplified registration, and efforts to bring small businesses into the formal economy.
“These additional resources have been instrumental in building roads, expanding healthcare, improving education, and funding welfare programmes. With the next-generation GST reforms, Arunachal Pradesh is now better placed to accelerate its development journey and contribute strongly to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047,” Mein added.
Key GST reforms include: Simplified tax rates: 5% (merit), 18% (standard), 40% (luxury/harmful items); cheaper household essentials and packaged foods; lower GST on farm machinery, handicrafts, and bamboo products; GST exemption for health insurance and life-saving medicines; affordable education materials, accommodation, and wellness services; reduced GST on cement and vehicles, boosting construction and transport; and easier compliance with stronger support for MSMEs and women entrepreneurs.
Earlier, Mein participated in the Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2025 programme in his home constituency, Chongkham, along with Namsai MLA Zingnu Namchoom and Nari-Koyu MLA Tojir Kadu. The event promoted women’s and children’s nutrition through diet diversity, fortified foods, Poshan Vatikas, and real-time monitoring via the Poshan Tracker. Strengthening Anganwadi services was also a key focus.
Mein also joined the Poshan Pledge, administered by Gaon Burah Arjun Limbu, and took part in a plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. Reiterating that “women’s health is the foundation of empowered families,” he stressed the state’s commitment to implementing Poshan 2.0 in alignment with the national mission Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan.
The day’s events saw the participation of BJP Namsai district president Ningroo Ong Maio, ADC Chongkham K Tikhak, senior officials, PRI members, community leaders, and the public.