<h1>Government simplifies GST: most goods moved to 5% or 18% slabs, essentials exempt, higher rates for sin and luxury</h1> The government announced GST restructuring that consolidates most goods into 5% and 18% slabs, exempts a range of essentials, and retains higher rates only for sin and luxury items, with changes effective September 22. A senior minister and the ruling party characterized the measure as tax relief that will benefit households and stimulate economic growth, citing prior excessive taxation under the previous administration. The reform follows about 18 months of executive deliberation led by the prime minister and was adopted by the GST Council; the government also noted recent income-tax relief measures for middle-income taxpayers.