Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the latest next-generation GST reforms as a festive gift for the poor and the middle class, emphasising that reduced GST will lower household kitchen expenses.

“Modi cares about your expenses, Modi cares about your savings. Many festivals are around the corner in the coming days. This time, our government has given a very big gift to the poor and the middle class before Diwali and Chhath,” PM Modi said during his address in Purnea, Bihar on Monday evening.

PM Modi added that with the GST rate reduction, items of daily needs particularly food items and hygiene essentials are set to become much cheaper, as the Modi government is focused on catering to the demands of the poor and ensuring their welfare.

“GST has been significantly lowered on most of the items of your daily needs. I especially want to tell my mothers and sisters present here that the cost of running the kitchen will become much less because of the reduced GST. Everything will become cheaper from toothpaste, soap, and shampoo to ghee and many food items. When there is a government that cares for the poor, it works exactly in this way for the welfare of the poor,” Modi said.

“For Modi, you all are Modi’s family. That is why Modi says: ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’,” he added.

PM Modi was in Bihar on Monday, to unveil the various development projects in Bihar worth ₹40,000 crore. Of the various infrastructure projects announced, he inaugurated the new Araria–Galgalia rail line, and laid the foundation stone for the Vikramshila–Kataria rail line, according to the government release.

“The Mokama–Munger section of the Buxar–Bhagalpur high-speed corridor has been approved. This will greatly benefit industrial hubs like Munger, Jamalpur, and Bhagalpur. The government has also approved the doubling of the Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat rail line. Bihar’s development is essential for the nation’s development. And for Bihar’s development, the development of Purnia and Seemanchal is necessary,” he added.

Among other announcements, PM Modi announced the launch of a 2,400 MW thermal power project in Pirpainti, laid the foundation of the Kosi–Mechi river link project, and lauded the formation of a National Makhana Board with a ₹450 crore development scheme.

“Even today, the Community Investment Fund worth nearly ₹500 crore has been released for our sisters. This amount will reach the cluster-level federations, which will empower self-help groups across villages. This will give women the opportunity to expand their potential,” he added.