Sweeping changes in GST from November 15th

The BJP government brought in a much needed course correction in the much criticised Goods and Services Tax. the GST Council decided on Friday to lower the tax rate on 178 items, leaving just 50 items in the top 28 per cent rate slab under the Goods and Services Tax.

Only items such as luxury and sin goods, white goods, cement, paint, and automobile, aircraft and yacht parts, will be in the top tax category. The GST rate on items such as chocolates, washing powder, shampoos, aftershave, deodorants, granite and marble from the earlier 28 per cent GST to 18 per cent. Other items that will now be taxed at 18 per cent include washbasins, plywood, sanitary and construction materials, wrist watches, fire-fighting equipment and mattresses.

Eating out cheaper

“This will make eating out and ordering food at home more affordable for consumers and will lead to a significant growth in the organised restaurant segment,” said Hari Bhartia, cochairman of Jubilant Foodworks, which runs Domino’s Pizza and Dunkin Donuts chains in India.