Lucknow, Sep 20(PTI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday held a virtual meeting with all the NDA MLAs in Uttar Pradesh and state ministers, and outlined the first phase of the 'GST reforms awareness campaign' scheduled to be held from September 22-29.

India's GST framework is set for a big overhaul, with a new two-slab system set to be rolled out from September 22 when most goods and services will fall under 5 per cent or 18 per cent slab, while luxury and sin goods will face higher rates.

According to an official statement, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the benefits of GST reforms and promote indigenous products.

The chief minister directed the public representatives to ensure the effective implementation of the reforms so that traders, shopkeepers, and citizens can fully benefit during the festive season.

"All public representatives will lead the campaign daily in their respective areas," he said.

Adityanath, along with the two deputy chief ministers, will actively participate in the campaign.

MPs, ministers, MLAs, MLCs, and councillors will devote 1-2 hours daily to local markets, directly interacting with shopkeepers and the public, the statement said.

In every district, the ministers in charge will coordinate with the local representatives to ensure the campaign's effectiveness at the grassroots level.

As part of the campaign, public representatives will visit markets daily, thank shopkeepers by offering them roses, and informing them that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has implemented the GST reforms in response to their long-standing demands, the statement said.

The shopkeepers will also be encouraged to display posters with the message "Garv Se Kaho Swadeshi Hai" and prioritise the sale of indigenous products to strengthen the local economy.

Adityanath emphasised that Swadeshi is not just a slogan but a representation of India's labour, skill, and perseverance.

Adopting indigenous products, he said, is key to realising the vision of a self-reliant and developed India.

He also urged the shopkeepers and customers to take pride in using Swadeshi products, thereby boosting economic progress, the statement said.

During festive shopping, customers will be informed that the GST reforms have made goods more affordable, it added.

Public representatives will explain in simple terms how using of indigenous products will help build a self-reliant and strong nation.

The campaign will ensure that awareness reaches every level, making the reforms equally beneficial for both traders and customers, the statement said.

The chief minister instructed the ministers in-charge to visit their respective districts and engage with the local bodies, business associations, farmers, and the general public to communicate the benefits of the reforms.

He also called for simultaneous implementation of the reforms across the state with the active involvement of local representatives.

Highlighting the broader impact, he said GST reforms will make goods cheaper, boost purchasing power, attract investments, and create new employment opportunities -- benefits that must be effectively conveyed during the festive season, according to the statement .

The chief minister directed all the public representatives to share their seven-day action plans with him and ensure their immediate execution. PTI CDN ARI

GST reforms awareness campaign: targeted market outreach to explain rate changes and promote indigenous products during festive season. State-directed GST reforms awareness campaign mandates district-level market outreach by ministers and elected representatives to explain rate changes, promote indigenous products, and ensure simultaneous implementation; operational steps include daily public engagement, coordination with local bodies and business associations, distribution of messaging materials, symbolic outreach to shopkeepers, and submission of seven-day action plans to the Chief Minister for execution.