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Ghee, soap and snacks to get cheaper? Big GST cut likely, say sources

Ghee, soap and snacks to get cheaper? Big GST cut likely, say sources

India Todaya day ago
In what could bring major relief to middle- and lower-income households, the central government is seriously considering a restructuring of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) slabs, sources told India Today. A key proposal under discussion is to either reduce the GST on certain essential items from 12% to 5% or to eliminate the 12% slab altogether.According to sources, most of the items currently attracting 12% GST are goods commonly used in everyday life by ordinary citizens. These include products that feature heavily in the consumption patterns of middle-class and economically weaker households.advertisementThe plan under consideration involves reclassifying these items into the lower 5% tax bracket, effectively making them cheaper for end consumers. Alternatively, the government may choose to scrap the 12% slab entirely and reallocate items into existing lower or higher slabs.
A final decision is likely to be taken at the upcoming 56th meeting of the GST Council. As per protocol, a 15-day notice is required before convening a Council meeting, but sources indicate that the session could take place later this month.The move is expected to be politically significant, especially in a pre-election year, and could help ease inflationary pressure on essential goods consumed by a large section of the population.The GST Council, chaired by the Union Finance Minister and comprising state finance ministers, holds the authority to recommend changes in tax rates.If the proposal goes through, it would mark one of the most significant overhauls of GST rates since the indirect tax system was rolled out in 2017.- EndsMust Watch
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