NAMSAI, Sep 19: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, today underscored the transformative impact of the next-generation GST reforms and reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to health and nutrition during a series of engagements in Namsai and Chongkham.
At the Multipurpose Cultural Hall, Namsai, Mein addressed the programme “Ghati GST Mila Upahar” organised by BJP Namsai. He explained the major 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, these reforms aim to simplify the GST structure, reduce household expenses, and expand opportunities for farmers, artisans, youth, women entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Describing the reforms as “people’s reforms”, the Deputy Chief Minister said: “From cheaper daily essentials, medicines, and education-related items to affordable farm machinery, handicrafts, and tourism services, the simplified GST structure will benefit every section of society. For Arunachal Pradesh, these changes are especially significant, as they will empower farmers, artisans, small entrepreneurs, and women-led businesses, and create fresh avenues for self-employment and job generation.”
He highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s robust GST growth trajectory, stating that collections rose from ₹227 crore in 2017-18 to nearly ₹1,900 crore in 2023-24, reflecting over 700% growth in six years. Similarly, the number of registered taxpayers grew from 7,365 in 2017 to 18,477 by mid-2025, showcasing the State’s efforts to expand digital access, simplify registration, and 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.
Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister participated in the Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2025 programme at his home constituency Chongkham, along with Namsai MLA, Zingnu Namchoom and Nari-Koyu MLA, Tojir Kadu. The event promoted nutrition for women, children, and mothers through diet diversity, fortified foods, Poshan Vatikas, real-time monitoring via the Poshan Tracker, and strengthened Anganwadi services.
Mein also took part in the Poshan Pledge, administered by Gaon Bura Arjun Limbu, and joined the plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. 
He reiterated that women’s health is the foundation of empowered families, and stressed Arunachal Pradesh’s commitment to implementing Poshan 2.0 in alignment with the national mission ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan’, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The day’s events also saw the participation of BJP Namsai District President Ningroo Ong Maio, ADC Chongkham,  K. Tikhak, senior officials, community leaders, PRI members and public.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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