<h1>Union finance minister thanks states for unanimous GST Council move to simplify slabs to 5% and 18%, effective Sept 22</h1> The Union finance minister thanked state finance ministers for their collaborative role in a unanimous GST Council decision to restructure tax slabs-broadly shifting many goods into 5% for common-use items and 18% for others, eliminating 12% and 28% tiers-with changes effective September 22; the Council, comprising centre and state representatives, debated revenue concerns but accepted projections that lower rates will boost consumption and offset shortfalls, and the minister expressed appreciation in letters after the meeting for states' constructive participation under the principles of cooperative federalism.