Highlighting that the second technology GST reforms will increase the economic system by growing demand, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (September 18, 2025) stated that the willpower of September 22 because the date when revamped taxes will come into impact has a really robust affect on West Bengal.
“I am happy to say that the determination of 22nd September as the implementation date for the next generation GST reforms was largely influenced by (Durga) Puja. The Shubh Mangal Diwas when the revamped GST comes into effect coincides with the first day of Navratri, the day after Mahalaya. There is, therefore, a strong influence of Bengal in this decision-making,” Ms. Sitharaman stated at an occasion in Kolkata.
Durga Puja is the most important competition of West Bengal which begins from Mahalaya, starting of Devi Paksha and continues until Vijay Dashami when the idols are immersed in water our bodies.
The Union Finance Minister stated that the message from West Bengal will go on to encourage the remainder of the nation, simply because it did throughout the independence wrestle and as Bengal has at all times completed in main the nation.
“Durga Puja is Bengal’s biggest festival, and people in the State make major purchases during this period. Keeping this in mind, we have chosen this date for the new GST rates to come into effect. This will allow people to benefit from the reduced tax burden during the festive season,” she stated.
The Union Finance Minister additionally highlighted that GST charges have been lowered from 12 % to five % variety of native produce and handicrafts of West Bengal comparable to Darjeeling tea, processed mango merchandise from Malda Jute baggage, leather-based items from Santinetakan, Purulia Chhau Masks, picket masks of Kushmandi, Madur Kathi, Bankura Terracotta crafts, Shola crafts and Nakshi Kanta amongst others. Most of those merchandise have Geographical Identification (GI) tags supplied by Division for Promotion of Trade and Inner Commerce (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Trade.
The Finance Minister expressed optimism that these adjustments would spur progress throughout varied sectors within the State. “Bengal is known for its rich craftsmanship and agricultural products, and with the new tax rates, we expect increased sales during the festive season,” she stated.
Ms. Sitharaman stated that new technology GST reforms have been a results of intensive consultations and efforts from all states, with important contributions from the GST Council.
“I would be amiss if I did not give credit to the States for coming together and agreeing on the proposal in the GST Council to reduce the rates. I wrote personalised letters to the finance ministers in the GST Council, irrespective of party or affiliation, thanking them for playing a very constructive role, as the people of India need this reduction now,” she added.
Revealed – September 19, 2025 10:16 am IST
