New Delhi [India], September 22 (ANI): Congress MP Imran Masood on Sunday spoke on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation on GST reforms, claiming that the government's policies have harmed small businesses and that the country is now suffering the repercussions of these 'reckless and poorly thought-out decisions.'

Speaking to ANI, Masood said, 'When they (government) announced this (GST Reforms), they claimed with great fanfare that it would boost the country's economy... However, by doing so, they have ruined small businessmen. The entire country is suffering the repercussions of these reckless and poorly thought-out decisions... I was expecting PM Modi to say something about America because America has caused the biggest damage to us.'

MP Masood also voiced serious concern over reports of an unprecedented increase in the US H-1B visa fee, which is expected to affect thousands of Indian professionals, adding, 'Why would a company pay such a heavy amount to someone from here (India) working there (in the US)? If they don't pay, people won't go there. Now, create such an environment for those who plan to stay here so they can work here.'

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to adopt Swadeshi and prioritise Made in India products, as the newly approved Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms come into effect from September 22, the first day of 'Shardiya Navaratri'.

'We need to make every home a symbol of Swadeshi... every shop should be adorned with Swadeshi products,' the Prime Minister said in his address to the nation.

Calling the GST reforms a 'Bachat Utsav', Modi appealed to people to buy products made in India, saying they carry the hard work and 'sweat' of the country's youth. 'We should buy products that are Made-In-India... in which the hard work of our country's youth is involved... the sweat of our country's sons and daughters,' he said.

The Prime Minister said the GST reforms reflect the Union Government's 'Nagrik Devo Bhava' mantra and will result in substantial savings for the public.

'We are moving forward by following the mantra of 'Nagrik Devo Bhava', and we can see its reflection in the next generation's GST reforms. If we combine the income tax exemption and the GST exemption, the decisions made in one year will save the people of the country more than Rs 2.5 lakh crore, and that's why I say, 'This is a savings festival,'' he said.

Emphasising self-reliance as the path to a developed India, Modi said the reduction in GST rates will directly benefit small businesses and MSMEs. 'To reach the goal of a developed India, we must walk on the path of self-reliance, and a very big responsibility to make India self-reliant also lies on our MSMEs. What is needed by the people of the country, what we can make in our own country, we should make right here in the country... The reduction in GST rates and the simplification of rules and procedures will greatly benefit our MSMEs, small industries, and cottage industries,' he added.

He also drew a parallel between Swadeshi during the independence movement and the drive for economic strength.

'Their sales will increase, and they will have to pay less tax, meaning they will also receive a double benefit... Just as the country's independence gained strength from the mantra of Swadeshi... similarly, the country's prosperity will also gain strength from the mantra of Swadeshi alone,' he said.

The reform in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure approved during the 56th meeting of the GST Council earlier this month is set to come into effect from September 22. (ANI)