By News18,Parishmita Saikia

Copyright news18

Shoppers across India have received a welcome surprise ahead of the festive season. The Central Government has officially notified a major reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, set to take effect from September 22, well before Diwali, making this Dussehra even more special for consumers.
The key highlight of this revision is the simplification of the GST structure. In a significant decision made during the GST Council meeting held on September 3, the Council scrapped the 12% and 28% tax slabs. Moving forward, only two slabs, 5% and 18%, will remain in use. As a result, most items that were earlier taxed at 12% have now been moved to the 5% category. Also, items previously taxed at 28% have largely shifted to the 18% category. In some cases, the GST has been reduced to 0%, making several essential items completely tax-free.
This decision is expected to significantly lower the prices of everyday goods, food and beverage items, household essentials, and even high-ticket items such as air conditioners, televisions, cars, and motorbikes.
Starting from September 22, several essential items will be completely exempt from GST. These include pre-packed and labelled paneer, UHT (ultra-high temperature) milk, and pizza bread. Common food items such as khakhra, chapati, roti, paratha, kulcha, and bread will also attract 0% GST. (AI Generated)
In addition, personal health and life insurance premiums, along with 33 life-saving medicines and medical-grade oxygen, have been made tax-free. Stationery items such as sharpeners, crayons, notebooks, pencils, and erasers are also now included in the 0% GST category. (AI Generated)
Healthcare Sector Sees Big Relief: A particularly notable benefit comes to the healthcare sector, where GST on 33 life-saving medicines has been entirely removed. Previously, medical-grade oxygen carried a 12% tax, which has now been waived. Furthermore, GST on health and life insurance premiums has also been reduced to 0%, making such services more affordable for the public. (Ai Generated)
What If Prices Don’t Drop? How to File a Complaint? If a retailer or business fails to adjust their prices in line with the revised GST rates, consumers have the right to raise a complaint through the National Consumer Helpline (NCH). The government provides multiple channels for filing complaints: you can call the toll-free numbers 1800-11-4000 or 1915, or send a message via WhatsApp to 8800001915.
Alternatively, complaints can be lodged online by visiting the official NCH website at https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/public/. To file a complaint, simply sign up on the portal, log in, and select the ‘Complaint Registration’ option. You’ll need to provide full details of your issue and upload any relevant documents. Once submitted, a docket number will be generated, allowing you to track the status of your complaint.
With this major GST revision, daily essentials and several key consumer items are set to become more affordable, providing financial relief to households and businesses alike just ahead of the festive rush.