Mohanpur, Sep 26: A public interaction with traders and consumers was held at Mohanpur market following the simplification of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which has led to a reduction in the prices of essential commodities. The meeting was attended by Tripura’s Power and Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath.
On this occasion, the minister administered a pledge to thousands of attendees, who vowed to buy only indigenous products and refrain from purchasing foreign goods.
Addressing the gathering, Nath said that due to the revised GST framework, the prices of several packaged and essential items — including honey, tea, rice, tyres, tubes, school bags, coconut oil, AC machines, bikes, rods, cement, agricultural tools, tractors, and power tillers — would come down significantly. He emphasized that this would be a major relief for both consumers and traders.
Highlighting India’s agricultural strength, he pointed out that while India ranks second in rice production, it is the world leader in rice exports. “If Indian rice does not reach the global market, many countries will face a food crisis,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always respected and supported farmers. Similarly, exports of milk, eggs, sugar, and fish from India impact neighboring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh, he noted.
Speaking directly to women, Nath urged them to encourage their husbands to buy Indian-made goods, saying this would help safeguard the interests of farmers and domestic producers.
He also cautioned traders and consumers that goods must be sold at the revised prices effective from September 22 under the new GST rules. Charging higher prices than the updated rates would not be permissible.
As a symbolic gesture, the minister himself purchased a Swadeshi-made water flask, reaffirming his commitment to promoting indigenous products.
