<h1>GST Council Cuts Rates: No GST on Sanitary Napkins, Lowers Rates on Appliances, Allows Refunds for Fabric Makers.</h1> The GST Council, chaired by the Union Minister, has recommended reducing GST rates on various goods, including sanitary napkins and specified handicraft items, to nil. Changes include lowering GST from 28% to 18% on items like paints, refrigerators, and washing machines, and from 18% to 12% on goods like bamboo flooring. Refunds for fabric manufacturers facing inverted duty structures will be allowed prospectively. Footwear priced up to Rs. 1000 will attract 5% GST, while higher-priced footwear remains at 18%. The Council also clarified GST applicability on certain goods, such as fortified milk and marine engines.