Deduction in GST is a big step, and only a leader of PM Modi’s stature can do it: Khatana

SRINAGAR: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Senior Leader and Rajya Sabha Member Ghulam Ali Khatana today launched a dynamic public outreach programme in the heart of Downtown (Shahr-e-Khas) Srinagar. During the day-long visit, he interacted with traders, shopkeepers, youth and residents across Khanyar, Nowhatta, Gojwara, Saida Kadal and Sakedafar. The outreach aimed to strengthen grassroots engagement and convey the government’s commitment to inclusive development and economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.

Khatana hailed the recent reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) announced by the Union Government as a game-changing decision that will revitalise trade, ease financial pressures on citizens, and boost small business growth across the region. He said the decision was a bold political commitment to the welfare of ordinary people and a reflection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership. He added that only a leader of Modi ji’s stature and resolve could take such a decisive step, once again demonstrating his unwavering support for traders, youth, and the working class.

The BJP leader emphasised that the GST reduction would energise local markets, encourage entrepreneurship, and strengthen the economic backbone of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the Modi Government believes in empowering every section of society—from street vendors to business owners—and remains focused on building a transparent, business-friendly environment. Khatana also addressed several issues raised by local traders and assured them that their concerns would be taken up with the authorities. He reiterated the government’s resolve to transform Shahr-e-Khas Srinagar into a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and opportunity.

As part of his visit, Khatana inaugurated TRI Colour Constructions – General Suppliers and Real Estate on Railway Approach Road, Narsapora, Budgam. He commended the young entrepreneurs behind the venture and said their initiative embodies the spirit of the government’s Start-Up India and Stand-Up India campaigns. He noted that Kashmir’s youth are increasingly confident about becoming job creators rather than job seekers and that the era of hopelessness has ended. According to him, the new generation is dreaming bigger, building stronger, and contributing to the region’s economic future.

Khatana also visited Spring Buds Educational Institute in Ompora, Budgam, where he interacted with students and teachers. He urged them to focus on education, skill development, and innovation, describing the youth as the true builders of a new Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the government’s efforts to create unprecedented opportunities in education, employment, and innovation to empower the young generation and secure the region’s long-term development.

The BJP leader’s comprehensive visit reflected the party’s deepening engagement with all sections of society, including traders, youth, and local residents. It also underlined the BJP’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas. Prominent BJP leaders who accompanied Khatana during the outreach programme included Dr. Ali Mohd Mir, Senior Leader BJP ; Bilal Parray, Co-Incharge Cells, J&K BJP; Arif Raja, State Secretary, J&K BJP; Mushtaq Noorabadi, Senior Leader BJP; Manzoor Bhat, Spokesperson BJP; Jowhar Wani; Sameer Ahmad Shah, Senior Leader BJP; and Adil Ahmad Bhat, Vice President, Budgam.