<h1>Central GST overhaul cuts slabs to 5% and 18%, abolishes 12% and 28%, expands zero-rating for essentials</h1> The central government enacted major GST reforms reducing slabs to 5% and 18% effective September 22, abolishing the 12% and 28% rates, and expanding zero-rating for certain goods and services. Zero GST will apply to life and personal health insurance and specified lifesaving medicines, including cancer drugs; education materials (charts, pencils, notebooks) are exempt; numerous personal-use items and food staples see lower rates; agricultural inputs and equipment (tractor tyres, bio-pesticides, irrigation/sprinklers) move from 18% to 5%. The measure is presented as aimed at lowering consumer prices and supporting farmers, low-income groups and domestic demand.