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Raipur, September 23, 2025: On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai today visited MG Road and other major markets in Raipur to interact with traders and the public.
Traders and citizens welcomed the Chief Minister at various places in the market. Sai interacted directly with shopkeepers about the significant benefits the new GST 2.0 tax system to both traders and consumers.
In the evening, Sai walked from Jaistambh Chowk to Gurunanak Chowk via Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Raipur, visiting various establishments to review the GST Savings Festival. During this time, he also pasted stickers of the Savings Festival in the shops and interacted with local shopkeepers and customers.
During his visit to the market, the Chief Minister was warmly welcomed by various business organizations and traders.
Speaking on the occasion, Sai stated that GST reforms will accelerate the country’s economic activity and boost local employment. The recent comprehensive GST reforms implemented by the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi have reduced taxes, directly benefiting consumers.
Sai began his visit to the market by visiting the Shri Shankar Hanuman Temple at Sharda Chowk. Speaking with the Chief Minister, Richa Thakur, a resident of Samta Colony, who had come to shop at Leela Shriram Electronics, said that the GST reduction had alleviated a major concern for her. She explained that she had to purchase five ACs for her hostel. Previously priced at Rs 35,000 per AC, she now found them available for Rs 30,000 after the reduction and discount, resulting in a one-time savings of Rs 25,000. Richa thanked Prime Minister Modi for this decision.
Similarly, M S Traders’ proprietor, Mohan Nebhani, stated that during the Savings Festival, the Chief Minister personally visited his shop and inquired about the benefits to customers. He informed the Chief Minister that the GST reduction had increased customer purchasing, and that customers were saving between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000 on each item.
The Chief Minister visited various shops on Mahatma Gandhi Road and interacted with shopkeepers and customers. During his walk through the market, the Chief Minister was greeted by a shower of flowers.
Sai was welcomed at Jaistambh Chowk by the Chamber of Commerce and party officials. He then proceeded to Sharda Chowk, where he visited the idol of Goddess Durga and interacted cordially with devotees, extending Navratri greetings.
The Chief Minister then proceeded on foot from Poonam Hotel to Manju Mamta Hotel. From small roadside shopkeepers to large establishments, everyone showed eagerness to interact with the Chief Minister. Sai also listened cordially to everyone’s concerns and sought their feedback on the benefits of GST 2.0.
Sai visited establishments like Tiny Teaser and Kids on Wheels to learn about the reduced tax rates on children’s products and household items. Visiting electronics stores, he learned how much cheaper consumers are getting goods than before. Shopkeepers reported that the new provisions have made doing business easier and boosted customer confidence.
Sharing his experiences, the Chief Minister said that the combination of Navratri and the historic reduction in GST rates is no less than a celebration for both businesses and consumers. He said that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the tax system has become more transparent and simple. This will not only facilitate businesses but also result in direct savings for ordinary consumers.
Sai elaborated that now only two slabs remain. Essential items like soap, toothpaste, bicycles, and kitchen supplies will now be available at a mere 5 per cent tax, saving each family 3,000 to 5,000 rupees annually. Similarly, food items like bread, milk, packaged snacks, and chickpeas have been completely exempted from taxes, resulting in annual savings of 2,500 to 3,500 rupees. The removal of taxes on health and life insurance will also result in savings of approximately 4,500 rupees on a 25,000 rupee policy and 8,000 to 10,000 rupees on senior citizen insurance.
He stated that GST 2.0 will also significantly benefit the business community. This reform will positively impact all sectors, including industry, trade, investment, and employment.
The Chief Minister urged entrepreneurs and traders to promote local production and called on consumers to proudly declare, “I buy indigenous and sell indigenous.” He described this as a mantra that will take India’s economic future to new heights.
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, MLAs Sunil Soni, Purandar Mishra, and Motilal Sahu, along with local public representatives, various business organizations, and a large number of dignitaries were present on the occasion.
