<h1>GST Council Continues Service Tax Exemptions and Sets New Rates for Textiles, Diamonds, Leather, and Film Exhibitions.</h1> The GST Council, in its 16th meeting on June 11, 2017, decided to continue certain service tax exemptions under the GST regime. These include exemptions for pure services provided to government entities related to functions under Articles 243G and 243W of the Constitution, services under government-paid insurance schemes, and government-funded training programs. New GST rates were also established for specific services, such as a 5% rate for job work related to textiles, diamonds, and leather, and an 18% rate for film exhibition admissions priced at Rs. 100 or less. Additionally, individual advocates and sponsorship service providers are exempt from registration under the CGST Act.