<h1>Government Rejects Single GST Rate, Maintains Varied Slabs for Essentials and Luxury Items; Simplification Efforts Ongoing.</h1> The government has dismissed the idea of a single Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate for all commodities, emphasizing that essential items like food are taxed minimally, while luxury goods face higher rates. Finance Minister stated that unlike some countries with uniform tax rates, India's diverse economic landscape necessitates varied tax slabs. The ongoing rationalization process has already reduced many items from a 28% to an 18% tax bracket. Additionally, a committee led by the GSTN chairman is tasked with simplifying the GST return filing process, with its recommendations to be reviewed by the GST council.