<h1>State backs GST rate rationalisation, insurance exemptions, seeks cess continuation or limits, IGST settlement by December 2025</h1> The state government welcomed the Centre's GST rate rationalisation, including exemptions for individual life and health insurance, while stressing protection of state revenue. The state finance minister urged either continuation of the cess mechanism via constitutional amendment or restricting any bound rate increase under the GST Act to sin and luxury goods. The state sought full implementation of the Committee of Officers' IGST settlement report by December 2025 to streamline settlements, supported automated provisional export refunds and simplified registration for low-risk businesses, and requested the GST Council to consider its proposals amid a short extension of the compensation cess levy beginning October 31, 2025.