Union Home Minister Amit Shah has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for India’s booming startup ecosystem and bold Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms. Speaking at Gujarat’s Startup Conclave 2025, Shah highlighted a 380% growth in startups over the last decade, with India now home to 1.92 lakh startups and over 120 unicorns valued at $350 billion.
GST collections have surged from ₹60,000 crore to ₹2 lakh crore, fostering economic growth and trust. Shah hailed Gujarat as the epicentre of the startup revolution, emphasising women-led entrepreneurship and rising startups beyond metros in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Startup Surge and Economic Impact
Shah described the Startup Conclave as a bridge from “Mind to Market,” turning Modi’s vision into reality. Before 2014, India had only 500 startups and 4 unicorns; today’s remarkable growth is driven by youth shifting from job seekers to job creators. Gujarat has played a leading role, with the state witnessing a 22% jump in new startups in 2024 and currently hosting over 13,000 recognized startups.
Nearly half of new startups nationwide are women-led, with 900 women entrepreneurs in the Northeast alone advancing self-reliance. The growth spans sectors like IT, healthcare, agritech, and fintech, with startups generating around 17.9 lakh jobs.
GST Reforms Fueling Growth
GST reform has been a fundamental pillar, merging 16 taxes into one seamless system. Shah spotlighted the rise in GST collections from ₹80,000 crore at launch to ₹2 lakh crore today, underscoring increased taxpayer trust. The reforms included historic tax reductions on essentials, healthcare, vehicles, and agricultural products, aimed at easing the financial burden on the middle class and boosting consumption.
Shah lauded Modi’s pro-people tax policy, noting tax exemptions stretching now to incomes up to ₹12 lakh. The GST system is seen as not just a tax mechanism but a tool for nation-building and economic empowerment.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian views these developments, startups and GST reforms, as pillars strengthening India’s journey toward inclusive, sustainable growth. Supporting youth entrepreneurship and fair, transparent tax reforms fosters innovation, job creation, and economic equity. However, ongoing evaluation and public dialogue are essential to ensure that benefits reach the grassroots and marginalized communities fully.
