India launched its revised Goods and Services Tax framework on Monday under the "GST Bachat Utsav" initiative. The comprehensive reform reduces taxation on approximately 370 products spanning essential goods and medical supplies. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman projects the changes will boost economic activity by Rs 2 lakh crore through enhanced consumer purchasing power. Over 50 commodities, such as milk, bread, and paneer, receive complete tax exemption. Essential medications for cancer and rare diseases also gain zero-tax status.
The government eliminated GST on school supplies like pencils, notebooks, and erasers while reducing rates on consumer goods such as butter, biscuits, and dry fruits from 12 percent to 5 percent. Cement pricing drops to 18 percent from 28 percent, and personal services receive lower taxation. Kitchen appliances and electronics see reductions from 28 percent to 18 percent. However, luxury vehicles exceeding specified engine capacities face increased rates of 40 percent, while tobacco products and sugary beverages carry the highest taxation levels.
The government eliminated GST on school supplies like pencils, notebooks, and erasers while reducing rates on consumer goods such as butter, biscuits, and dry fruits from 12 percent to 5 percent. Cement pricing drops to 18 percent from 28 percent, and personal services receive lower taxation. Kitchen appliances and electronics see reductions from 28 percent to 18 percent. However, luxury vehicles exceeding specified engine capacities face increased rates of 40 percent, while tobacco products and sugary beverages carry the highest taxation levels.
