Chief Ministers from North-eastern states hailed the Centre’s Next-Generation GST reforms, calling them historic steps to boost the economy, MSMEs, and livelihoods. With tax cuts on life-saving medicines, vision aids, and key goods, leaders said the reforms will ease living, empower small businesses, and spur India’s economic momentum.
Chief Ministers and senior leaders from several North-eastern states have welcomed the Centre’s landmark reforms in the Goods and Services Tax (GST), describing the move as a transformative step for the economy, livelihoods, and small businesses. They hailed the reforms as a citizen-centric initiative that will empower farmers, women, youth, traders, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The GST Council, in its 56th meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi, approved sweeping changes under the Next-Generation GST framework. The reforms include significant tax cuts on essential items, life-saving drugs, and goods that directly benefit the common people.
Arunachal Pradesh Leaders Laud PM Modi’s Vision
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu hailed the GST reforms as historic and aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “ease of living and doing business.”
In a post on X, Khandu wrote: “What began as a bold vision shared by Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort has taken concrete shape. This path-breaking initiative is designed with citizens at its core, bringing relief to farmers, MSMEs, traders, women, youth, and the middle class.”
Khandu stressed that the reforms would drive efficiency, transparency, and strengthen livelihoods while powering India’s economic momentum.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who attended the GST Council meeting, shared details of the tax cuts. He highlighted that GST was reduced from 12% to zero on 33 life-saving medicines, and from 5% to zero on three drugs critical for cancer and rare diseases. Additionally, GST on spectacles and goggles for correcting vision has been slashed from 28% to 5%.
“These wide-ranging measures will improve lives, especially for small traders and MSMEs,” Mein said. “The reforms will make it easier for citizens to live and for businesses to thrive.”
Tripura CM Manik Saha: Reforms Will Benefit All Sections
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha also welcomed the GST reforms, calling them a much-needed relief for the people and the business community. Speaking to the media, Saha said the reforms were in line with the vision outlined by Prime Minister Modi in his Independence Day address.
“The GST reforms would make life easier and people would be hugely benefited. Along with common citizens, businessmen and traders would also gain,” Saha noted. He added that the Modi government has consistently pursued reforms aimed at improving the lives of ordinary people and strengthening the economy.
Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio: Step Toward Economic Growth
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio echoed similar sentiments. In a message on X, he expressed appreciation to PM Modi and FM Sitharaman for introducing the reforms. “This citizen-centric initiative simplifies the tax structure, eases compliance, supports MSMEs, and strengthens India’s economic growth,” Rio said.
Former Manipur CM: Relief for Families and Small Businesses
Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh described the reforms as a “defining moment” for India’s economic strength. He stated that the reforms would empower small businesses, generate employment, and bring direct relief to families.
“These changes, endorsed by the GST Council, will empower small businesses, create jobs, and bring relief to families,” Singh said, while applauding PM Modi’s leadership.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma: A Super Booster for the Economy
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who once served as the state’s finance minister and played a role in GST’s initial implementation, described the reforms as one of the most consequential steps in India’s tax framework.
In a post on X, Sarma wrote: “The new regime agreed upon today will serve as a super booster for the Indian economy, bringing agility to small & medium businesses, spurring job creation, driving consumption, and most importantly, leaving more money in the hands of our people.”
Sarma emphasized that India’s ability to not only implement GST successfully but also adapt and reform it when required shows the flexibility and commitment of the Modi government to effective governance.
A Defining Economic Moment
The GST reforms, which include tax cuts on essential medicines and vision aids, along with measures to simplify compliance and ease of doing business, have been widely praised across the Northeast. From empowering MSMEs to boosting consumption and job creation, leaders agree that the reforms will deliver long-term benefits for both citizens and businesses.
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The strong endorsements from Northeastern Chief Ministers underline a shared confidence that these reforms will accelerate growth, reduce economic burdens on households, and bring India closer to achieving its vision of inclusive and sustainable development.
